'Joe' starring Nicolas Cage: A first look

Writer-Director David Gordon Green began his career making deeply provocative works that challenged the audience’s idea about life, but lately he has become known for his comedic works such as Pineapple Express, Your Highness and The Sitter.

This year marks his return to sublime independent film making with the release of Joe featuring Nicolas Cage and Prince Avalanche featuring Emile Hirsch and Paul Rudd.

Joe may be the film to look out for this year.

Screenwriter Gary Hawkins adapted Joe from a Larry Brown novel that focuses on an ex-con who creates a bond between Gary, a teen played by Tye Sheridan, famous for his role in Tree of Life.

Cage’s character, Joe Ransom, wants to help a young man support his family in a no-mans-land of a Texas town.

Joe Ransom is a down on his luck character working at a lumber company, drinking his sorrows away, but when Sheridan’s character comes into his life Gary gives Joe purpose.

There is mystery behind Ransom’s past that could bring forth terrible events for the pseudo father and son.

“It’s dark as f**k. It’s a slow-burn, dark, heavy movie. Very grim.” Green said for The Playlist.

The film could serve as a career resurrection for Cage who has been in lackluster films of late.

Joe is currently in post-production. It will be released sometime this year.