In the Bedroom (2001)

Frank Fowler (Nick Stahl) is a college student involved in a summer fling with Natalie Strout (Marisa Tomei), an older woman who's separated from her husband, but not divorced. Her abusive husband, Richard, wants back in Natalie's life and isn't happy with Frank's presence, so he takes matters in his own hands and removes Frank as an obstacle. Something terrible happens and what follows is devastatingly brutal 90 minutes of Frank's parents dealing with it.

There really isn't much plot to speak of in this film, which is fine because they made up for it in character development. Where most movies are about what happens in what order, this one is about how people deal with what is thrown at them. Sissy Spacek and Tom Wilkinson's flawless performances as an older couple dealing with grief and their resulting mental deterioration more than makes up for any lack of action. Matt Fowler, once a jovial man with a private medical practice who everyone knew and liked, rapidly shrinks into himself. People now approach him with pity, eager to help, and he resents them for it. Ruth, who has always been cold, grows even more cold and angry. While Matt is wrought with sadness, Ruth is filled with hatred and blame. The two of them barely speak to each other and the tension weighs heavily throughout.

Todd Field's directorial debut succeeds on all levels. It's well acted, perfectly paced, never predictable and gripping until the very end. There isn't a scene wasted in it's 138 minute running time. I enjoyed his second film (Little Children) a little more, but find no reason to give this less than a perfect rating. Already I want to watch it again.

5/5