[1] Lucy Fowler, a construction firm employee, has a habit of drinking on weekends, having a one-night stand, and, come early morning, waking up and leaving quickly, checking out and paying for the motel room.

[7] The site's critics consensus reads, "A quiet but moving film anchored by the unexpected depth of Ashley Judd's performance.

[9] Jessica Reaves of the Chicago Tribune remarked, "Judd is the best thing in this movie" and that her role is handled with "aplomb and admirable nuance.

"[10] Stephen Holden of The New York Times said, "[Adams] knows how these people speak and has a finely tuned awareness of their relationship to an environment where beer flows like water and the houses have cheap furniture and aluminum siding.

Club said Judd's performance calls to mind her first significant role in Ruby in Paradise, but "she's rarely appeared as raw and vulnerable as she does in Come Early Morning.

"[11] TV Guide noted "the film has a worn, live-in feel, and its unhurried narrative captures the subtle rhythms of small-town life.