Raw has become a dirty word these days. It almost sounds violent or even sexual but we must remember the true definition of the word — being in a natural condition. “Winter’s Bone” is as natural as it gets, showing humanity at its lowest and instinct at its highest.

Relatively fresh face Jennifer Lawrence tackles a huge role in this rough yet compelling story of Ree Dolly, a teenage girl who must find her criminal father before the bond company takes her home. If that’s not challenging enough, she also has to take care of her two young siblings while her mother is all but in a vegetative state after a nervous breakdown. I know it sounds depressing but if you can pull through it, it really is a touching story of embrace. Though it may feel like it, Ree isn’t all alone. Her uncle Teardrop (John Hawkes) may seem uncaring at first, but family is family, and when push comes to shove — literally — he’s there to pick up the pieces as he tries to help Ree stay afloat.

There is no shortage of favorable reviews for this film, and you can add this one to that ever growing stack. Debra Granik’s career is still young but she has already made a remarkable impression. While it’s slow at times, “Winter’s Bone” mostly leaves you anticipating what’s to come. It’s hard to imagine such a horrid situation falling on such a young girl, but thanks to Granik, we don’t have to, and although that sounds disturbing, trust me, it isn’t.

There are two performances worth noting here. Jennifer Lawrence is unmistakably a talent to watch and it should be our honor to do so. It doesn’t happen often, but every now and then a young performer reveals a talent that distributes chills to us all.

Although it was unintentional to put him second, it’s fitting as John Hawkes is often overlooked. With such a frail looking frame, it’s amazing to see him dispense fear in such a convincing way. It’s a long shot but it would be nice to hear his name mentioned when the Oscar race begins.

“Winter’s Bone” is a film that derives so much from so little. The dialogue is short and to the point, just like the premise of the film. It’s an examination of the impoverished south that is seldom seen in such a dramatic way. I know the summer’s coming to an end and it’s tempting to catch some action movie with a ridiculous plot, but be strong and go see something that invokes human emotion. Go see “Winter’s Bone.”