Levity (2003)

A convicted murderer (Billy Bob Thornton) is unexpectedly released from prison after serving a 22 year sentence for killing a convenience store clerk (Luke Robertson) in a failed robbery attempt. Haunted by his past, he is drawn to the sister (Holly Hunter) of the boy he killed. Directed by writer Ed Solomon (BILL & TED'S EXCELLENT ADVENTURE) in his only directorial effort. Every once in awhile, I come across a good movie that was dismissed by the critics, movie audiences and even the studio (in this case Sony Classics) and I have to wonder why. I found this a potent drama about a killer looking for redemption both moving and absorbing. Yes, it was a bit heavy handed at times but its sincerity and commitment and four excellent performances more than compensate for its shortcomings. In addition to Thornton and Hunter, there's Morgan Freeman as Thornton's mentor with a dark secret of his own and Kirsten Dunst as a self destructive young woman. Worth seeking out. With Dorian Harewood, Catherine Colvey and Geoffrey Wigdor.