A Netflix Original Picture, Written by Michael Werwie, Directed by Liz Garbus.
This is a film based on a true life story that has many dark turns and shocking moments, but you wouldn’t know any of that from simply watching the film.
It is told in a very cold and undramatic manner, with very few moments of tension or emotion in a story that should have been packed full of them. These characters are mostly distant and tough to relate to, which makes the film’s existence as a character study tough to succeed.
One of the most shocking and tragic twists in the story is told entirely off screen, which is another strange choice by a film that had the potential to be much better than it turned out.
The only things that make the film worth watching for are some strong performances. Amy Ryan does the best she can in the lead role, while Gabriel Byrne and Lola Kirke do some interesting work in supporting roles.
The standout is one of Hollywood’s most talented and fastest rising stars, 19 year old Thomasin McKenzie. She is the only person who adds real heart and emotion to this story, and has had an incredible last couple of years, and that is only due to continue with her upcoming leading role in Edgar Wright’s Last Night in Soho.
Rating = 2.5/5
Howe's World of Film and TV 