MOVIE REVIEW

Arkansan Jeff Nichols tells the story of three brothers set against a richly textured backdrop.

By Michael Ordoña, Special to The Times

"Shotgun Stories," which traces three very different brothers whose bond is tested by a vengeful eruption with another family, is an understated gem.

Writer-director Jeff Nichols, making his feature debut, has created a richly textured world. The air is palpably heavy; the film flows at a calm, rural Arkansas pace. In one scene, the camera captures a quietly ominous conversation as a cloud passes under the sun. The fine detail of the setting could be achieved only by a native, which Nichols is. But simmering beneath is a lifelong feud between two sets of half brothers, ignited by their father's death.

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The film allows questions to go unanswered and background to be conveyed implicitly. The later set of brothers are named Stephen and Matt; the older boys, abandoned in their youth with their mother, are stuck with "Son," "Boy" and "Kid" -- marginalized in their identities.

Even before menace creeps in, the film gently surprises, whether with nonchalant revealing of character quirks or no-nonsense dialogue. Nichols' spare but expressive language hits the center of every pitch. The performances are emotional without being overwrought.

"Shotgun Stories" is a cautionary tale about revenge, but more than that, it is a beautiful, authentic-feeling portrait of a family and a place. Nichols is a talent to watch.

"Shotgun Stories." MPAA rating: PG-13 for violence, thematic elements and brief strong language. Running time: 1 hour, 32 minutes. At Laemmle's Sunset 5, 8000 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, (323) 848-3500.