No topic can inspire ordinary, perfectly rational folks to take up pitchforks and torches quite like paedophilia. Such latent hysteria makes Nicole Kassell’s debut feature, a compelling Red Riding Hood riff, all the more remarkable. Featuring a towering performance from Kevin Bacon as a paedophile released back into the community after twelve years in jail, Kassell and her leading man elicit sympathy for the devil, while never losing a sense of revulsion over his thwarted nature.
One is moved by our unlikely hero’s blossoming relationship with lumberyard co-worker Kyra Sedgwick, but while he struggles with prejudice, angry mobs and a taunting police officer (Mos Def, in a knockout turn), the hardest battle he must face is against his own sick desires. “When will I be normal?” he asks his psychiatrist in desperation. Watching The Woodsman, it’s difficult to tell.
Though one feels his too, too mortal pain, he’s a disquieting, monstrous figure, frequently inspiring disgust and pity at the same time. Scenes that depict him grooming an isolated little girl in the park are both gripping and chilling. But this is an incredibly humane work, pregnant with compassion and intelligence. You may well never reach for a pitchfork again.

Running time: 87mins. Cert IFI Members. Opens February 25th.