Red_Identity
I do have somewhat of a problem with the time device used in the film, the frame narrative that I'm not quite sure works to such extent. I think by just allowing the narrative to go through without resorting to "going back in time" would've made for a much more effective ride. As it is, the film is rather good. Amber Tamblyn and the goddess Tilda Swinton give some strong work here, and both give their characters their much required pathos for which to fully function within the film's structure better. Both are great performances that deserved a lot more attention, but alas, it's good that I sought it out. I definitely recommend this flawed, but strong piece of work.
lchadbou-326-26592
"Stephanie Daley" is the kind of little indie that is often better than the more heavily publicized Hollywood product it competes for attention with. In this case, director-writer Hilary Brougher has created an interesting tension between pregnant psychologist Tilda Swinton (whose character has previously had a stillborn child) and Amber Tamblyn's 16 year old, charged with killing her own baby. The setting, a conservative,religious small town, is convincingly created from a composite of three different places in upstate New York. Brougher is not afraid to have her cinematographer shoot in a naturalistic way, sometimes leaving figures in darkness. I especially liked the conception in the supporting roles of Satin, a skeptical pudgy schoolmate,played by Caitlin Van Zandt (I hope we will see more of her) but there is also good support from Timothy Hutton as Swinton's husband, and (as expected) Melissa Leo as Tamblyn's mother. I am not surprised that this was a good movie, as usually anything with Tilda Swinton's name on it (she also executive-produced) is worth trying.
killerbeez
It's funny, at the average video store, it's really a hit or miss game - you can't tell anything by the cover art. Picking up random titles is something of a habit, some hit, most miss, and with some you really have to wonder if the people who released the film have actually watched it. Every so often, however, you get a very pleasant surprise, and Stephanie Daley is one of the reasons I love the movies. Hilary Brougher is an extraordinary talent, and experiencing the performances by some of the finest actors working today was inspiring.Spending an evening with this film was a breath of fresh air and a treat - thank you!
Regret1017
I have no idea why this film, or many of the other Sundance films for that matter, are rated so low on IMDb. It's a shame, because this is a remarkable film.Amber Tamblyn gives the best performance of her career and deserves an Oscar for her subtle, eerie picture of teenage confusion, fear and malice. Tilda Swinton is also very good as the detective investigating Daley's case, and both Melissa Leo and Timothy Hutton give solid backup.See this movie - it is a frightening and eye-opening portrait of real life. ****/*****
AD
