Often cast in high-energy, borderline manic roles, Bacon creates here a sad, lank-haired, introverted character who doesn't fish for sympathy and, for that very reason, and against all odds, ends up winning it.

| Jan 10, 2018

| Original Score: 4/5 | Apr 1, 2006

| Original Score: 4/5 | Mar 6, 2005

[Ms. Kassell and Mr. Fechter] trick up Walter's character with so many conflicting moods and impulses and then place him within a post-prison society that is itself alternately oppressive and permissive.

| Jan 27, 2005

A courageous and often moving drama.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Jan 26, 2005

An involving, intense but ultimately confused portrait.

| Original Score: 2/4 | Jan 21, 2005

To watch this picture is to feel, and what you're feeling is an intense swirl of conflicting emotions -- disturbed, creeped-out, sorry, and, yes, even moved.

| Original Score: 3/4 | Jan 21, 2005

A flawed film that's well worth seeing.

Full Review | Original Score: B | Jan 21, 2005

It is both difficult to watch and compelling.

| Original Score: 3/4 | Jan 21, 2005

A lean drama anchored by subject matter which, although difficult, remains distantly disquieting yet never challenging.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Jan 16, 2005

Kassell, a first-time feature filmmaker, shows confidence and some lovely instincts.

| Original Score: 3/4 | Jan 14, 2005

A compelling drama that pulls back the curtain on a problem of epidemic proportions.

Full Review | Original Score: 4/4 | Jan 14, 2005

Walter isn't particularly likable. But to the film's credit, he becomes human.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/4 | Jan 14, 2005

Bacon's portrait chills to the bone.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/4 | Jan 13, 2005

A sometimes disturbing yet equally revealing film that examines the motivations of our worst societal outcasts and tries to make some sense of it all.

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5 | Jan 13, 2005

This is a gutsy little film, intense and interestingly acted.

Full Review | Original Score: B+ | Jan 13, 2005

This by turns unsettling and inspiring drama offers no easy answers, let alone identifiable heroes or villains.

| Jan 7, 2005

Bacon is a strong and subtle actor, something that is often said but insufficiently appreciated. Here he employs all of his art.

| Original Score: 3.5/4 | Jan 7, 2005

If the trappings feel stilted, the performances keep the film on track.

| Original Score: 2.5/4 | Jan 7, 2005

Revealing moments and Ms. Kassell's solid direction redeem the film's perfunctory script and deliver a film that will make you shiver and also make you think. This one will stay with you.

| Original Score: B+ | Jan 6, 2005