This is a clever twist on the American dream, with honour and ambition among the immigrant family contrasted against the stunned desperation of more established residents. But these are complex, intriguing actors who never allow the obvious parallels and symbolism to overwhelm their characters. Kinglsey is the standout with a heartbreaking performance that combines stoicism and heart with a haunted guilt about his past and hope for his future. The central five characters are brilliantly developed by the actors and the script, captured on screen with solid filmmaking skill. These are fascinating people; we can identify with all of them in some ways, even though none are very sympathetic. They're all frightened, stubborn, insular and ultimately deeply irrational. And this is where the story's flaws start to show, because without one slightly too-hotheaded character a resolution could have been easily found. As a chain of events are set in motion, it becomes clear that hysteria is going to wreck any chance for peace around this house. And while this unravels the film to a certain extent, especially combined with the unsubtle ways director-cowriter Perelman states his case, it also adds a layer of global-political meaning that's really scary.