This film takes a while to get started, but it doesn't waste your time. Blind from childhood, Solomon is taught by his mother to fend for himself on his family's land in the middle of nowhere. Living with his mother in a house with no electricity isn't easy, but Solomon learns to trap rabbits, chop wood, and fish. His mother constantly reminds him that if he traps food, he must keep half for himself and return half to the nearby woods, (We later find out why.)
From an early age, he is tied to a rope anchored near their house so he won't wander far enough away to get lost if he is on his own. When Solomon is around 8 years old, his mother walks out into the dark, rainy night, never to return. She leaves him a recorded message on an old tape recorder reminding him that she loves him. Solomon plays the recording constantly.
Fast-forward approximately 10 years and Solomon is a young man living on his own. He has managed to survive based on how he was raised. He checks his traps regularly and returns home no worse for the wear. Sometimes, however, he hears a horrendous shriek coming from the nearby woods. Solomon lies still and when he hears nothing further, he realizes he is alone and safe. What he doesn't count on is a hunter finding him and encouraging him to discover what is waiting for him behind the trees.
I was really pleased with how the story takes off after the hunter enters the picture. I even thought I had plot figured out after the first hour, but I was mistaken! The ending was something I didn't see coming and after the film ended, I continued thinking about it, which is a sign the film was thought-provoking and interesting! Everyone involved in this film should be proud of what they created, especially Jared Laufree (Solomon). His acting was incredible, and I hope we'll see more of him in the future.
