Quite a few years ago, I received a very thoughtful Christmas gift from Dr. Bob and Wrymouth consisting of about a half dozen mysteries by Dennis Lehane.  I read them all, and loved them. As a result, Lehane is my co-favorite crime writer, joining Michael Connelly and Carl Hiaasen in that rarefied circle.

This movie is based on his fourth novel, which I am going to have to read again. Despite my inability to remember the intricacies of the plot, the adaptation by Ben Affleck is spot on as far as tenor and tone: The opening montage of Dorchester, the casting, direction, plot, everything was right on. The story line is difficult, centering as it does around the kidnapping and possible abuse of a four-year-old girl. Yet Affleck skillfully interplays a combination of moral certitude and moral ambiguity in the characters that is fascinating to watch. 

I'm a big Coen Brothers fan, and liked 'No Country for Old Men' quite a bit; but this movie is the better picture.

My only quibble - I'm glad I saw it on DVD because I had to stop and rewind many times because I couldn't understand the Baastin accents the first time around.