This film caught me by surprise in the third act (spoilers)

Agreed. I liked it too.

It's surprisingly good, and I also made the Tarantino comparison.

It's a shame that people keep complaining about how there are so few original films these days, but then when someone actually makes one only a handful of people go to see it. The movie only made $31 million at the box office.

It's not a perfect film--it's probably a little longer than it actually needs to be and I never did feel like I really connected with it emotionally--but it's definitely a unique film and, I'd say, one of the most interesting movies of 2018.

Interesting you say that because the third act is the most criticized part of the movie.

This is a movie where its box art, actors, and synopsis was good enough for me to to purchase the DVD blindly. And I was happy to find that I enjoyed the movie. It stuck with me for some time, the mystery of the characters, and the culmination of their paths crossing, along with the satisfying ending. I think I considered going to the movies to see it, but just never made it out there. For someone who loves movies, I dont go to the theater that often. I was intrigued the moment Jon Hamms character began finding all those wire taps! So for me I was glued to the screen from early on.

I think the movie had interesting messages as well. Sometimes you just cannot save somebody. The older sister trying to rescue her sister even from early childhood, just to lose her at the end and die as well. You gotta feel some way about that, its just rough. She loved her sister, they both experienced trauma, but the younger sister made a choice and was not gonna change. Have you ever struggled to help a family member or even a friend and eventually realize they make their choice?

I'll have to add a second post as I began writing so much it cut me off xD more below...

I liked Jeff Bridges character and that he did the right thing in the end. Its like this nice juxtaposition of people having the capacity to change and do the right thing alongside the people who refuse to change or make the right choice. Who can be saved? I think Jeff Bridges wearing the priest outfit was to add some symbolic nature to the whole thing. He made the right choice in the end, the good choice, and even prayer was involved! And theres the message Disillusionment and Abandonment. Those bad people and also the broken people, there are manipulators and those who have been manipulated and despiared because of it. They were all living lives of sin away from God, then this man in the priest outfit and black lady who is a beautiful singer saves the day, along with the soldier who lost the path but found the path again to salvation. But the bible says "no righteous acts will lead you to Heaven, you will only see the Father through Me (Jesus)" Is this why the soldier needed that prayer before he died? He knew that righteous act at the end wouldnt be the saving factor for his soul?

Thank you for posting this. I havent seen this movie in years but still think of it sometimes. I need to rewatch it, and I think I will with my Fiance. See what she thinks of the movie. I find watching movies with others can help you see more or think differently. I use to watch so many shows and movies alone.