Having spent the majority of his life in and out of prison due to violent episodes, Joe (Nicolas Cage) is finally on the straight and narrow with a steady job and a place to live. That is until young Gary (Tye Sheridan) comes along and asks him for a job. He then has to fight the urge to get involved in this kid’s life, which is easier said than done while his abusive father still reigns supreme.

Nicholas Cage and Tye SheridanNicholas Cage and Tye Sheridan in 'Joe'

The early hype surrounding this David Gordon Green–directed 'Joe' centres on Cage’s performance, which as been described as his best yet. It certainly is a departure from the action/black comedy stuff he’s been used to lately, and represents a change of pace for the oft joked-about actor.

The screenplay - by Gary Hawkins (The Rough South of Harry Crews) - is adapted from Larry Brown’s book of the same name.

"Nearing fifty, Joe Ransom won't slow down, not in his pickup, not with a gun - and certainly not with women,” reads the blurb. “Gary Jones estimates his own age to be about fifteen. Born luckless, he is the son of a hopeless, homeless wandering family, and he's desperate for a way out. When their paths cross, Joe offers him a chance just as his own chances have dwindled to almost nothing. Together they follow a twisting map to redemption - or ruin."

The deep south has been an enduring muse for directors of late. 'True Detective' has shown the darker, fictional side of Louisiana to expectant HBO viewers this year, while Lawless, Django Unchained, 12 Years a Slave and Mud have all wowed audiences of late. And it’s the last film that shares something in common with Joe: Tye Sheridan. The rising star excelled in Mud, which starred Matthew McConaughey – also stunning in ‘True Det’.

Sheridan won the Best Newcomer prize for the role at Venice, and certainly looks to be the real deal judging by the trailer.

With the Christopher D. Smithers Foundation Special Award and the Marcello Mastroianni Award at the 2013 Venice Film Festival under its belt, 'Joe' is scheduled to be released in UK cinemas on July 25th 2014.

Watch the trailer for 'Joe' here