Dee Rees directs Jason Mitchell, Carey Mulligan and Garrett Hedlund in this wartime saga about a white and a black family struggling to coexist on a patch of flooded farmland in racially segregated Mississippi.

A good solid drama. The mosaic narration sometimes smothers the chance for the actors to inhabit their roles. It is a narrative way more comfortable with stating the obvious rather than letting us experience it. Still it homes a quality ensemble who reach an affecting crescendo of tragedy. Rob Morgan, in particular, is memorable as the good father striving to keep his children safe, proud and ambitious.

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