Day-Lewis and the development of his character make this an impactful movie

Rating: 8/10 (29 March 2018)

For all of the build up and establishment of the world and characters, the final act delivered magnificently. The first half of the movie trudges along with Plainview a hard-working oil man with his beloved son, and seems like an unremarkable story of an oilman making ruthless and efficient business deals to get lots of oil. However, as the movie reaches its later stages, you begin to see the layers of Plainview's personality, and his true, single-minded desire for success and money at the expense of all others. Religion and Plainview's manipulation of Paul Dano's character was excellent, and I thought both the script and performances in the final two scenes with Dano and with Plainview's son were exceptional. A forceful, intense train that picks up speed throughout, There Will Be Blood is powerful and immersive in the world and mindset of Plainview.