None of us can see what’s coming. Our past can no longer give us any certainty when what’s coming is so other.

Anton Chigurh is the antithesis of good, the embodiment of psychopathy. His character arc means he ends as he began and in this way he is the catalyst. The vehicle of chaos that forces everyone to face death in the own way. 

Llewelyn faces the fear of the unknown and his own mortality with anger. But even he couldn’t account for the Mexican cartels catching up with him because “no one is prepared for that”, ie the future. Hence why Anton visits the place of his death later and his inner chaos or his true face is so beautiful framed when he is waiting for Sherif Bell to enter the room. 

Carla Jean Moss faces her own demise with resolution and steadfast conviction thereby disarming or robbing Anton of his power. 

This contrasts wonderfully with Sherif Bell who confesses at the start of the film his worst fear is that he’ll have to face something he doesn’t understand and while he is the only surviving character who manages to cheat Anton. He doesn’t know how to face death even when his father visits him in a dream to show him he is preparing a place and waiting for him on the other side. His character arc and one of the main themes in the film culminates the moment he realises he must face it. 

The steady pace the film contrast beautifully with Anton’s violent disruptions into ordinary people’s lives and the contrast highlights how each one faces what’s coming. 

Plot 4/5: almost perfect, topped with beautiful splashes of dark humor. The pace of the film is thematically justified but its a decision to hold your attention in the end
Acting 5/5: can’t be flawed
Direction 5/5
Cinematography 5/5: Coen brother’s cinematography is always a visual feast
Soundtrack 5/5: added to the plot without distracting from it
Production design 5/5: supported the narrative