8. "Shelter" By Ben Nichols (Take Shelter)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7CLbfmM9lnk Jeff Nichols' 2011 film "Take Shelter" examines a different side of the impending disaster mentality. In fact, it directly comments on the fear of an apocalyptic force that has been so prevalent in the last decade of Hollywood films. Though the majority of the film focuses on Michael Shannon's character growing distant from his family in his efforts to build a fully functioning shelter under their backyard, the drive behind his actions is to keep his family close and alive no matter what happens. The filmmaker's brother Ben, also the lead singer of alt-country band Lucero, comes in with the closing credits that follow a very divisive final scene. In "Shelter", Nichols simply presses that idea of sticking together through whatever may come, which rings especially powerful with the climactic closing of "Take Shelter". The song evokes the trust that is necessary in surviving as family. As a standalone, "Shelter" is not quite as effective, but should still be recognized as a beautiful companion piece.