by Jason Ankeny Middletown boasts a mystical fervor and emotional intensity mirroring the spiritual crusade at the core of the onscreen narrative. Debbie Wiseman's thoughtful arrangements eschew woodwinds, relying on brass, strings, and piano to create a suffocating sense of solitude and alienation, while violinist Jack Liebeck's striking contributions communicate a liturgical zeal further bolstered by the ethereal harp and lush symphonics that dominate themes like "The Heart of My Family" and "Chosen by God." An uncommonly poignant and profound effort, Middletown is the rare score that succeeds even removed from its accompanying cinematic narrative. Highly recommended.