jmcmaho1130
If you're a person who likes movies that keep you guess this one certainly will until the very shocking and superb ending. I haven't seen a movie that ended so powerfully since Vertigo and I would mark this Director's incredible style and writing talents as quite good as recognized by her commendation at the Cannes Film Festival and her subsequent success in more mainstream cinema. The unique plot of the film starts of a little slowly but brings the viewer into communion with its characters through both distinct sexuality and the angst-ridden characters and how they deal with the early car accident and it's subsequent repercussions. Marcia Gay Harden puts in a riveting performance in this not to be missed film.Skip Gladiator . . . uh-hem, I mean troy and rent this one.
tantalus55
This gifted performer lives and works in Auckland, thus depriving the world at large of another Meryl Streep. Lucky Kiwis can watch her most evenings on the local soap Shortland Street, where she raises the bar regularly for her costars. She has appeared on Xena and Hercules and last year patrons of the Maidment Theatre were treated to a compelling performance in The Beauty Queen of Leenane. If you want definitive proof of her talents, rent 1984's "Constance." Brilliant stuff.I'm not a relative! Just an expat American living in Auckland who would pay to see this women reading from the phone book and wishing Hollywood would take notice.
vyto34
The theme of a malevolent stranger insinuating herself into a family, seducing everyone in it, and wreaking havoc before getting her final comeuppance is an old tale. But it is told in this movie in a fresh and engaging way. Part of the appeal is the New Zealand landscape, and the cinematography dwells on its most unusual, dream-like aspects. Marcia Gay Harden is absolutely spot-on as the seductress. Caitlin Bossley is also very appealing as the daughter. William Zappa is rather frumpy, however, as the famous author. In an interesting twist, the direct victim of Harden's malevolence is played by Donogh Rees as a character which is just as malevolent.
djexplorer
I only saw the last half of this New Zealand film on Sundance cable this evening.Of course I wouldn't normally comment after an incomplete viewing, much less only half. I'm only doing so because so far there are no comments on IMDb, and this one deserves them. But given my partial viewing, I won't venture any more comment than this:It's a very well filmed, intense psychological drama among four women and one man. It definitely brings a fresh perspective. It's well acted, and riveting, for those interested in intelligent, as opposed to least common denominator, dramas.I will definitely be viewing the whole thing.
AD
