Two sets of parents (Reed Birney & Ann Dowd, Jason Isaacs & Martha Plimpton) meet to address the horrible tragedy that brought them together. The majority of this film features that quartet sitting around a table talking, albeit about a heavy subject. They certainly delve into the drama, delivering intense performances. First time director Fran Kranz has kept the camerawork simple, with the focus on the actors. There’s an undeniable intelligence and sensitivity to the exchanges, which voice several sides of the issue. The intense atmosphere starts with their meeting and never subsides. Even though the words do, the production never builds to a dramatic release. Certainly, this deals with serious issues, but the lack of dynamics in the pace and the objective direction make this more a discussion of the affects on the parents and an opportunity for actors to go deep. NOTE: Look for Richmonder Michelle E. Carter as the meeting facilitator and listen for former Richmond pianist R.L. Rowsey.
(3 / 5)