Affliction (1997) ****

Without ever being gratuitous, Paul Schrader's Affliction (1997) is one the bleakest, most downbeat explorations of toxic masculinity and alcoholism ever put to film. Strong performances across the board, intentionally bland cinematography (set in a fictional town in snowy northern New Hampshire), and a moody, ominous score by Michael Brook create a chilling portrait of tragedy.

Paul Schrader Feature Films Ranked