*** of ****
Rated: R
Length: 88 minutes
Writer: Eric Weiss
Director: Michael Steinberg
Cast:
Julia Stiles: Ellie Christianson
Louise Myrback: Lena Anderson
William R. Moses: Ben Christianson
Chelsea Field: Karen Christianson
Vanessa Zima: Inger Christianson
Patrick Muldoon: Lawson Smith
Linda Hart: Mrs. Potter

Genre: Comedy / Thriller

Synopsis:
In a gated desert suburb, everyone is cheating on everyone, the kids are brats, and affluenza reigns. A wife moves out, and another wife dies. Loss gives way to some destruction and hope, but then another death occurs.

Review:
This is a disturbing dark comedy in a noirish style that happens in a suburb of dysfunctional people. The writer clearly has a grudge against affluent suburbs, and it works into the depth of the darkness here. The isolated sterile environment of the community is only the beginning of the descent. The homes are devoid of much of anything beyond the necessities of life with very little personal touch. The monochromatic rooms are each painted different gaudy colors, and even the baby grand piano doesn't relieve the emptiness of the room it is in. The balance between the pain of personal loss and the pain of personal emptiness is well maintained, and is key to making this film work despite it's darkness. The pace is fairly quick, and the tone changes in accordance with the events as they unfold.

The direction was pretty much on the mark as the animosity and ambivalence between and within characters was consistent throughout. The camera angles and movements used were very useful for inducing paranoia and bringing the viewer into the situation. The score and soundtrack also enhance the strength of the film. Julia Stiles as the oldest daughter, Ellie, is great. She simultaneously portrays strength and frailty in a convincing manner that drives the story. The other actors hold their own in giving their characters the depth and consistency needed to sympathize with their plights even if you find them disagreeable. The run time of this movie is short and every frame is useful which prevents boredom, but requires attention.