So many terrific images, like the giant preacher’s shadow looking across the landscape, while he croons/snarls “Leannnnnnning…. on the armmmmmmmmmmmmmm….” Or that stunning opening scene, with the dead body popping up in small-town America.

Above all that sinister vision, more dystopian than noir, of a cheerful small town willingly collaborating in the destruction of two children.

The sweetness of the ending seems false in isolation, but is *so* merited!