The three storylines (Maud and Roland's search for the story, their romance and the parallel romance between Ash and LaMotte) dovetail perfectly, with the mystery driving the film and the love stories fleshing it out. There are unexpected twists and turns that add interest and some suspense, but it's the two emotional tales that keep us involved. And the principle roles are extremely well-played, with Paltrow's ice queen thawing slowly while Eckhart's intrepid flatfoot disarms her (and us) at every step. Meanwhile, Northam and Ehle get the best dialog, wrapped in poetry and heaving with period passion. LaBute directs with his trademark insight, never letting things get soppy on any level and keeping our brains engaged. The production is slick and impeccable. It's not completely successful though; the mystery climaxes in a rather weak "action" scene, and the romantic storylines never gather enough steam to make us swoon. But it's utterly gripping anyway. We become detectives with Roland and Maud, revelling in every discovery along with them, right up to the lovely collection of surprises at the end.