Hated the topic. Loved the film. This is addiction inside, outside & turned around. The people are real, the situations are sad & watching the children was most difficult of all.

Brilliant I think Vera (Irene) played the part brilliantly and is an inspiration to those in need to never give up well done xx

Very solid stuff. (Mild spoiler: Perhaps sometimes the kindest thing is indeed to leave for dead, the very person who helped save you.)

This can be viewed as a somewhat sympathetic portrayal of drug addicts and the difficulties faced when trying to kick the habit. It could also be viewed as a warning for those not taking drugs habitually. Either way it is a strong piece of cinema filmed on a lower-grade roll of film.

'Down to the Bone' follows in the tradition of classic addiction and rehab movies (such as "Clean and Sober"), but it doesn't stoop to any clichés--It wouldn't be so good if it didn't look so bad... Struggling with Almost Insurmountable Demons!!

It's not exactly enjoyable, but like those HBO specials about drug abuse, you can't turn away for a second.

A sobering film about getting sober, Down to the Bone never suggests that it's going to entertain, but you will surely be rewarded with a realistic insight into drug addiction and recovery. Farmiga gives a paramount performance in what is probably her least-known role. The great thing about this film is that it avoids cliches - no one overdoses and no one has a happy, clean ending. The focus on the responsibilities of parenting is a refreshing touch as well.

This movie probably will have a love or hate reviews- anyone who has never seen addiction can't relate to it in that sense. You see Vera in this movie struggle to become sober and a good parent and then becomes involved in a toxic relationship with someone she confided all of her skeletons to and was supposed to be able to trust. When she gets a reality check and with a clear head knows that in order to be the person she wants to be then she's got to cut ties or else get dragged down and lose everything important to her. I think that everyone can relate to that even if it wasn't based on addiction.

A film about drug addiction that is painfully honest and real. It doesn't glorify or stylize the subject matter.

"Down to the Bone" emerges with an aura of unflinching authenticity, while Vera Farmiga delivers an astonishing performance.

Emotionally engaging and an incredible performance from Vera Farmiga who was so outstanding that for her not to even be nominated is a travesty and is an abomination to all things good and natural in this world. While I didn't find the ending wholly satisfying I still think that this film was powerful enough to be worthy of 4 1/2 stars.

This low budget film from director/writer Debra Granik, who is also responsible for her latter "Winter's Bone", absolutely hit the mark. "Down to the Bone" is a vivid portrayal of drug abuse and family that boasts a stellar performance by Vera Farmiga. What sometimes appears slow and prodding, turns out to be calculated and striking. The film appeared to be shot using grainy handhelds; a most likely result of working with a shoestring budget. The visual appeal might not be there but hang in there, as the story and performances are topnotch.

This addiction drama is a bit choppy at times, but performances more than make up for that. Not just Vera Farmiga (who carries the movie), but even supporting cast, in part comprised of unprofessional actors, come across as amazingly realistic and natural. The bleak snow-covered surroundings create prefect mood for the story.

Good performance by Vera...but the story is old and been done time and time again.

It completely lacks the glamour of Hollywood, settling instead for a much-needed realism and grittiness that Debra Granik is so talented at accomplishing. This combined with intense, beautiful performances from Vera Farmiga and Hugh Dillon creates the understated power that makes the film as grimly hopeful as it aspires to be.

A movie about why it isn't a good idea to go '13th stepping' in recovery. Farmiga's best performance yet.

Good movie for anyone who has tried to quit using.

An honest portrayal of drug use in a small town. Vera Farmiga is a actress to keep an eye on.

Effective and tragic portrayal of the devastating impact of disappearing opportunity and drugs in rural America. The film stays away from the overwrought bombast and violence of other films dealing with the same subject but provides a moving portrayal of the costs paid by its characters. More effective for leaving the main character at the turning point rather than showing us either her ultimate dissolution or assuring us that she will be able to shake her demons.

Real life situation is really grabbing, realistic, but this is not why we watch movies. Recommended for real life.