Starring Kevin Bacon and Kyra Sedgwick, the film follows a convicted child molester who must adjust to life after being released from prison.

The title of the film refers to the woodsman from the fairy tale Little Red Riding Hood, who kills the wolf to save the titular child.

The film was theatrically released in the United States on December 24, 2004, to widespread acclaim, with Bacon's performance earning critical praise.

It received three nominations at the 20th Independent Spirit Awards, Best First Feature for Kassell, Best Male Lead for Bacon, and Best Debut Performance for Hannah Pilkes.

Walter, a convicted child molester, returns home to Philadelphia after serving 12 years in prison.

Walter finally understands the pain he caused his victims, and tells Robin to go home; as she leaves, she gives him a hug.

In a voice-over discussion in which his therapist tells him that eventual forgiveness may take years, Walter replies that he understands and accepts her anger, and expresses optimism for his own future.

[2] Kassell and Fechter adapted the screenplay together, making it a "less talky, more internalized character study of a haunted man struggling to build a normal life.

[4] The Woodsman was shot in Philadelphia, which is the hometown of cast members Bacon and Eve, as well as the birthplace of director Kassell and producer Daniels.

Rotten Tomatoes reported that 88% of critics gave the film a positive review based on 133 reviews with an average rating of 7.30/10 with the consensus "Kevin Bacon's performance as a child molester who is trying to start fresh has drawn raves from critics, who have praised The Woodsman as compelling, creepy, complex and well-crafted.

In an interview with The New York Times in 2010, actor Colin Firth named Bacon's performance the Best of the Decade.