This film continually surprises us with an utterly original treatment of a difficult subject. It's about a middle-aged couple, Matt and Ruth (Wilkinson and Spacek) whose relationship is stressed beyond reason by a tragedy in the family involving their only son (Stahl), a bright grad student home in Maine for the summer. He's enjoying lobstering with his dad and a summer fling with a lovely single mother (Tomei). But her ex (Mapother) is not happy about their relationship at all.

Field comes at the story from such an unusual perspective that it takes our breath away. Filmed with a soft, warm glow, life is simply life for these people ... and everything that comes with it, good or bad. The pacing is similarly natural--slow and relaxed, gradually building up the underlying tension, relieving it and then cranking up a gentle sense of horror and dread at what might happen next. This is clever, insightful filmmaking that lets us discover the truths in each scene--and these things lie in the characters themselves, because the film is actually an examination of a long-term relationship put through a cycle of grief, fear, anger, revenge and redemption. And the cast is well up to the task. Spacek delivers an astonishingly honest performance as the warm earth mother who transforms into a bitter old woman ... and then has an epiphany. Wilkinson is just as good, subtly conveying emotion and purpose without ever resorting to the mechanics of Acting. In addition, Tomei shines in a rare serious role, Stahl is growing into a seriously good adult actor, and Mapother adds surprising depth to his role. And perhaps the most refreshing thing about is that Field deals with such a deeply personal theme without ever going sentimental. He asks the questions and then peels back the layers to show us how this couple copes with their pain and frustration in ways you never expect. Don't miss it.

adult themes, language, violence

17.Oct.01