The Woodsman

The Woodsman is a 2004 American drama film directed by Nicole Kassell in her feature directorial debut, from a screenplay by Kassell and Steven Fechter, and based on the play of the same name by Fechter. Starring Kevin Bacon and Kyra Sedgwick, the film follows a convicted child molester who must adjust to life after being released from prison. The title of the film refers to the woodsman from the fairy tale Little Red Riding Hood, who kills the wolf to save the titular child. The Woodsman premiered at the Sundance Film Festival on January 19, 2004, where it was nominated for the Grand Jury Prize, and was screened at the Chicago International Film Festival on October 10, 2004, where it was nominated for the Gold Hugo. The film was theatrically released in the United States on December 24, 2004, to widespread acclaim, with Bacon's performance earning critical praise. It received three nominations at the 20th Independent Spirit Awards, Best First Feature for Kassell, Best Male Lead for Bacon, and Best Debut Performance for Hannah Pilkes. At the 9th Golden Satellite Awards, Bacon was nominated for Best Actor – Drama and Sedgwick was nominated for Best Supporting Actress – Drama. Plot Walter, a convicted child molester, returns home to Philadelphia after serving 12 years in prison. His friends and family have abandoned him, with the exception of his brother-in-law, Carlos. Walter's apartment is just across the street from an elementary school—an obvious source of temptation. He gets a job at a local lumber mill and meets Vicki, one of the few women working there. After sleeping with Vicki, Walter tells her that he molested little girls, but rationalizes his crimes by saying "I didn't hurt them." Vicki is clearly shocked and disturbed by this new information, but before she can consider how to respond, Walter tells her to leave his apartment. Walter receives frequent visits from a verbally abusive police officer named Lucas, who makes it clear that he is waiting to catch Walter reoffending. Watching the school, Walter sees a man offering candy to little boys. He realizes that this man, whom he nicknames "Candy", is another child molester. Walter also meets an apparently lonely young girl named Robin who is a birdwatcher. Walter sees Candy abduct a boy, but does not report this to the police. Walter's life takes a further downturn when a suspicious coworker, Mary-Kay, learns of his conviction.