How far does 'Winters Bone' rely upon an understanding of its social context ? 'Winter's B one' is set in The Ozarks, a small community i n Missouri t hat i s blighted by rural poverty, lack of opportunity, low educational outcomes and a sense of separation of mainstream USA infrastructure. Secretive and inward looking with an emphasis on family loyalty and ‘kin’ based around patriarchal power but dependent upon strong, resilient women. Methamphetamine use and addiction has had devastating consequences on families and individuals. The reality of financial insecurity, violence, domestic abuse and mental illness is ever- pre c edent . A n early scene that showcases the poverty of the area is when Ree visits their neighbour Sonya. Often , Ree and her siblings are forced to rely on the generosity of her for many food and provisions. At the film’s opening, we learn that Ree’s father Jessup has put up the family home and surrounding la