Not only the sins of the father persisting but also the opportunity for redemption. Jason gives Avery the redemption that Jason's mom denied him. I really liked it, it was long as fuck but I guess it helps that I watched it at work.
I have not seen Blue Valentine so I really cannot compare the two movies. But Nicolas Winding Refn being Nicolas Winding Refn the 'more Drive' hitch will probably be scratched by Only God Forgives.