In an Appalachian town, a coal-mining disaster has killed 10 men. Caught in the aftermath are Amos (Boyd Holbrook), the sole survivor, and Diane (Elizabeth Banks), the wife of an executive whose actions may have caused the cave-in. Diane’s 15-year-old son is missing; she doesn’t know he died accidentally during an argument with classmate Owen (Jacob Lofland of “Mud”).

All those plot points allude to the problem with Sara Colangelo’s drama. Fate repeatedly works in ways that feel pat and overly scripted, despite a setting that’s been filmed with impeccable authenticity.

The strength of “Little Accidents” lies in its superb performances, lead by Holbrook, a Kentucky native so authentic in his role you could swear he’s a miner who acts on the side.