There's an intriguing and perhaps awkward contrast between the two lead performances, with Waterston's tentative coyness facing Kirby's worldly openness. As they get closer, sharing their thoughts and feelings, they both acknowledge their mutual attraction, but understandably are constrained not to directly address it in public. Thankfully, they liven up when they admit it in private. Meanwhile, Affleck and a sparkier Abbott offer effective hangdog turns as callous men who don't understand why they're feeling left out.

There's a sense that Fastvold thinks life was dull and subdued in the 19th century. But people were just as energetic and passionate, and probably didn't speak in such carefully constructed full sentences. This overwritten dialog, perhaps imported directly from Shepard's source story, continually throws us out of the narrative. It may offer some thematic interest relating to the need to find our place in the world, but it never quite reveals the inner lives of the characters. Thankfully the actors do this adeptly, and they're reason enough to watch.

themes, sexuality

23.Dec.20

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