1. Ultimately the film allows Walter his humanity while reserving judgment on the state of his soul. And it gives Kevin Bacon the role of a lifetime.
2. A character who is doomed from the start because of his own actions is difficult to support, and a film about him is bound to feel oppressively dark.
3. A stunning, difficult film.
4. Kevin Bacon turns in yet another solid performance, strengthening his case as the most underappreciated talent in movies
5. A stunningly crafted work from first-time feature director Nicole Kassell.
6. To watch this picture is to feel, and what you're feeling is an intense swirl of conflicting emotions -- disturbed, creeped-out, sorry, and, yes, even moved.
7. A flawed film that's well worth seeing.
8. A powerful, wrenching drama.
9. It's insightful and powerful, but it's not an easy film to watch.
10. An involving, intense but ultimately confused portrait.
What is the consensus?
Kevin Bacon's performance as a pedophile who is trying to start fresh has drawn raves from critics, who have praised the Woodsman as compelling, creepy, complex and well-crafted.