Melanie Lynskey Stars In Disturbing Netflix Thriller That Will Blow Your Mind
If you’re in the mood to watch something that falls in the middle on the scale of suspenseful thriller and dark comedy, you might want to throw on I Don’t Feel at Home in This World Anymore, a Netflix Original comedy crime drama from 2017.
Written and directed by Macon Blair in his directorial debut, the film stars Melanie Lynskey as Ruth, a depressed woman who wants vengeance after her home was broken into, and Elijah Wood as Tony, the unstable neighbor who helps her track down the burglars.
Melanie Lynskey stars in I Don’t Feel at Home in This World Anymore, a must-watch on Netflix for anyone looking for a suspenseful thriller.
Ruth (Melanie Lynskey) is a nursing assistant who is tired of people being assholes. After a horrible day at work, she returns home to find her laptop, medication, and grandma’s silverware stolen. Frustrated by the lack of police action, she collaborates with her eccentric neighbor Tony (Elijah Wood) to retrieve her stolen laptop.
This leads them on an unexpected and perilous journey, entangled with dangerous criminals and violent confrontations. In addition to Melanie Lynskey and Elijah Wood, the film also stars David Yow, Jane Levy, and Devon Graye.
Writer and director Macon Blair is most well-known as an actor and has previously starred in Green Room and Blue Ruin. I Don’t Feel at Home in This World Anymore was his directorial debut, though he had previously written the script for the 2013 horror-thriller, The Monkey’s Paw.
He was inspired to name the movie after an old gospel song, “I Don’t Feel at Home in This World Anymore,” popularized by country singers Carter Family and Woody Guthrie.
I Don’t Feel at Home in This World Anymore had its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival on January 19, 2017. The film received critical acclaim and won the prestigious Grand Jury Prize for the U.S. Dramatic competition at the festival. Riding on its success, the movie was later released worldwide on February 24, 2017, exclusively on Netflix, and Melanie Lynskey was later nominated for Gotham Independent Film Awards for Best Actress.
The film’s unique storytelling and Melanie Lynskey’s standout performance garnered praise from critics and audiences alike. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds an impressive approval rating of 89 percent. The critical consensus applauds the movie, claiming it puts a spotlight on grim gender dynamics and social norms in modern America, triggering a timely discussion and bringing up important commentary.
The movie is named after an old gospel song, “I Don’t Feel at Home in This World Anymore,” popularized by country singers Carter Family and Woody Guthrie.
I Don’t Feel at Home in This World Anymore is a powerful testament to Melanie Lynskey’s talent and versatility as an actress. Born in New Zealand, Lynskey had already built a solid career in film and television long before this thriller was released and has showcased a varied portfolio of characters.
She first gained international recognition with her portrayal of Pauline Parker in Peter Jackson’s dark drama Heavenly Creatures (1994), which marked her acting debut, and then later portrayed supporting roles in other 90s classics like, Ever After (1998), But I’m a Cheerleader (1999), and Coyote Ugly (2000).
Throughout her career, Melanie Lynskey appeared in a variety of projects, showcasing her ability to handle diverse roles with ease. She demonstrated her comedic chops in movies like Up in the Air (2009) and The Intervention (2016) while also impressing with dramatic performances in Win Win (2011) and Hello I Must Be Going (2012).
I Don’t Feel at Home in This World Anymore is a powerful testament to Melanie Lynskey’s talent and versatility as an actress.
Currently, Lynskey stars in the critical Showtime hit, Yellowjackets, for which she has been nominated for an Emmy Award and won the Critic’s Choice Award for her portrayal of Shauna Sadecki, one of four middle-aged women who hold a dark secret from a plane crash that occurred while they were in high school.
With such a complex filmography, it’s no surprise that Melanie Lynskey was able to carry a film and portray a compelling and emotional character like Ruth in I Don’t Feel at Home in This World Anymore. Her portrayal of Ruth Kimke, a woman navigating the complexities of life, crime, and self-discovery, was a highlight of the movie and earned her well-deserved accolades.
I Don’t Feel at Home in This World Anymore stands as a gripping and thought-provoking dark comedy thriller that explores the intricacies of human behavior. Macon Blair’s directorial debut showcased his talent as a storyteller, while Melanie Lynskey’s exceptional performance solidified her position as a skilled and versatile actress.
The film’s critical acclaim and recognition were a testament to its impact on audiences and its ability to transcend genres and leave a lasting impression.
As the entertainment industry continues to evolve, movies like I Don’t Feel at Home in This World Anymore, remind us of the power of storytelling and the talents of actors like Melanie Lynskey, whose dedication to their craft continues to enrich the world of cinema.
