The Woodsman

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The Woodsman

R

2004

1h 29m

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

88%

Tomatometer

130 Reviews

77%

Popcornmeter

10,000+ Ratings

After 12 years in prison, Walter (Kevin Bacon) returns home. Few people know he's a sex offender and pedophile. Walter finds an apartment where he's regularly visited by his parole officer (Mos Def). He gets a job at a lumber mill and starts seeing a coworker (Kyra Sedgwick). Then his new world begins to unravel. As his past becomes known, he begins a high-risk friendship with a young girl and realizes that a man loitering near a schoolyard is a child molester prowling for his next victim.

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Critics Consensus

Kevin Bacon's performance as a pedophile who is trying to start fresh has drawn raves from critics, who have praised the Woodsman as compelling, creepy, complex and well-crafted.

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Sheila Johnston

London Evening Standard

Often cast in high-energy, borderline manic roles, Bacon creates here a sad, lank-haired, introverted character who doesn't fish for sympathy and, for that very reason, and against all odds, ends up winning it.

Jan 10, 2018

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Andrew Sarris

Observer

[Ms. Kassell and Mr. Fechter] trick up Walter's character with so many conflicting moods and impulses and then place him within a post-prison society that is itself alternately oppressive and permissive.

Jan 27, 2005

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Jamie Russell

BBC.com

A courageous and often moving drama.

Rated: 3/5

Jan 26, 2005

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Eve Tushnet

Patheos

It’s well-made and haunting, and I’m glad it wasn’t longer.

Oct 21, 2022

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Richard Propes

TheIndependentCritic.com

It is not a perfect film, yet it is a powerful film that tackles one of the most difficult subjects a film could tackle.

Rated: 3.5/4.0

Sep 27, 2020

Full Review

Yasser Medina

Cinefilia

I have no doubt that Kevin Bacon delivers a solid performance in 'The Woodsman'. [Full review in Spanish]

Rated: 7/10

Aug 7, 2020

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Jason L

This movie tackles a sensitive and dangerous subject while being respectful to its victims. Bacon and Sedgwick are natural in their chemistry, of course, but they do not get in the way of their roles. Bratt, Wayans, and Def hand in worthy supporting roles.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

08/18/25

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Stephen C

Success in 1 hour and 29 minutes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Rated R for Language, Disturbing Behavior and Sexuality!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The USA grossed over $1,600,000.00!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/23/25

Full Review

David B

A very difficult, but compelling watch. I genuinely believe this may have been Oscar worthy but for the subject matter. Watched this some time ago as part of a film club (watch film go out for beer and curry and discuss.) My reading of the film differed from everyone else, as I did, and still do, believe that several of the minor characters could be seen as existing only in the mind of the central character, representing his own struggles with his offending and rehabilitation. Many, if not all of the supporting roles (both seen and not seen) can be seen as being part of Walter’s internal struggles. Might be utter fantasy on my part, but if you’ve watched it, watch again with this idea in mind- made sense to me at least !

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/12/25

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Gareth v

For such a difficult subject matter to make a movie about, this is done in an extremely thoughful manner. This is also one of Kevin Bacon's finest performances.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

06/18/23

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Evan M

Good performances. Characters have nuance. However, writers could have done better at raising the stakes.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

04/08/23

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Noel P

Impressed that the filmmaker was able to take a character so reprehensible and hated by our society and make him understandable and redeemable. What was even more impressive is that there is never an excuse given for the protagonist to explain away his crimes; as if the director was saying "he did what he did, there's no excuse for it, now let's get on with the story." Great writing, great directing, and Kevin Bacon's best performance.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/22/23

Full Review

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Nicole Kassell

Director

Kevin Bacon

Walter

Kyra Sedgwick

Vickie

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Synopsis

After 12 years in prison, Walter (Kevin Bacon) returns home. Few people know he's a sex offender and pedophile. Walter finds an apartment where he's regularly visited by his parole officer (Mos Def). He gets a job at a lumber mill and starts seeing a coworker (Kyra Sedgwick). Then his new world begins to unravel. As his past becomes known, he begins a high-risk friendship with a young girl and realizes that a man loitering near a schoolyard is a child molester prowling for his next victim.

Director: Nicole Kassell
Producer: Lee Daniels
Screenwriter: Nicole Kassell, Steven Fechter
Distributor: Newmarket Film Group
Production Co: Dash Films, Lee Daniels Entertainment, The Woodsman LLC
Rating: R (Language|Disturbing Behavior|Sexuality)
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Dec 24, 2004, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Dec 14, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA): $1.6M
Runtime: 1h 29m
Sound Mix: Stereo, Dolby SRD
Aspect Ratio: Flat (1.37:1)

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