Voiceovers reveal Ani's duplicitous ways, and Kunis plays her as a strong-willed woman determined to control her narrative, which is understandable given her experiences. Her turmoil feels very real, as does the unhealthy ways she's dealing with it, and that she's still lying about her feelings. Wittrock is strong opposite her, building snappy chemistry even as the script undermines it. McNairy, Britton (as Ani's hyper-critical mother) and Beals (as her editor) add gravitas along the way.

A pungent collision between bullying, rape and gun violence threatens to overwhelm the film, largely because the script never actually grapples with them. But there is honest complexity in the way justice feels so elusive in the aftermath of a violent attack, leading to both confused reactions and a lifetime of doubts, plus triggers that emerge at the most unexpected times. The final act is drawn out and melodramatic, but makes some vivid points, including the note that an approximation of honesty isn't nearly enough.

themes, language, violence

2.Oct.22

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