The Woodsman

Kevin Bacon is excellent as the pedophile Walter, who attempts to re-enter society after serving a 12-year prison sentence for molesting two young girls. The script is less inspired than and not as deep as Bacon’s performance. And it’s somewhat contrived as it explores the social and emotional ramifications of Walter’s horrific acts on his new station in life and the people now around him, while neglecting to add his victims into the volatile equation. Walter is given a job in a lumberyard by the wary son of his previous employer and strikes up a friendship with a tough-skinned, promiscuous co-worker (Kyra Sedgwick). Soon, his past seeps into his present and jeopardizes his future as he confronts his still-gnawing inner demons under the watchful supervision of his parole officer.