Gilead provides such a refuge for Percy, a young woman recently released from prison. Ultimately, she loses her life there, but in the losing, provides a Gilead of her own for some significant others. The place becomes a haven of hope and healing. The point is, I don't think this move works without all of the suspenseful nailbiters to provide a counter-point. But it works well.
Ominous things are afoot.
A car full of men pulls up or a child steps out into the street or you see a movement in the shadows. But the film does tighten and release its grip on us repeatedly until we are relaxed and softened up for the occasion when it does want to really squeeze us. This is risky film making. Nahum, the close-minded towny scoundrel is someone we have found it easy to hate when the time comes to close the film. But we are not allowed that catharsis.