an impressive directorial debut; "Little Woods" isn't always subtle, but the occasional lack of nuance doesn't lessen the power of its timely themes or impressive performances
a grim mission enlivened by Thompson's performance; the life-on-the-margins drama makes a fine, tense vehicle for Tessa Thompson, who in the last few years has stood out in a variety of genres
"Little Woods" is very personal and very touching, and it makes a compelling argument as to why good people do bad things, a tried-and-true motif that has become a staple of the new westerns emerging today
"Little Woods" is a sister drama that is affecting, sincere, and most importantly socially astute; DaCosta offers something much more valuable and exceptional than conventional thrills: women who are alive and authentic, whom we care about and believe in
