Dead Man's Burden

Writer/director Jared Moshé has crafted an intriguing tale of secrets, revenge, betrayal, and greed, set in New Mexico, circa 1870, where the land still bears the scars from the upheaval of the Civil War, and married farmers Heck (David Call) and Martha (Clare Bowen) struggle to make a living on their parched property. Fortunately, a mining company has taken an interest in the couple's land, and a representative (Joseph Lyle Taylor) is dispatched to begin negotiations for a potential sale. Unfortunately, the situation is complicated when Martha's brother Wade (Barlow Jacobs)—an Army deserter believed to have been killed during the Civil War—returns to claim his share of the inheritance that Martha acquired following their father's death. But the circumstances of pop's demise appear to be in dispute, and that is only one of the many quarrels, conflicts, and confrontations that erupt within this small circle of people. Dead Man's Burden is fueled by an intelligent and artistic style, making it one of the more impressive independent films of the year. And the heart and soul lie with Bowen, who delivers a striking performance as a frontier woman who will stop at nothing to achieve her dreams. Highly recommended. (P. Hall)