Daisy Edgar-Jones and Will Poulter play a seemingly happy couple living in 50s Kansas. Then his brother (Jacob Elordi) shows up rather seductively. Thus begins a drama that swirls around the wife and brother, as they explore their lives with a new perspective. His journey takes him gambling that involves a potential new love (Diego Calva). Her’s takes an equally expressive path, but to divulge much more would take from the story. The actors create involving characters and director Daniel Minahan has explored their frustrated lives effectively. The cinematography by Luc Montpellier is rich and lovely. The pacing is languid (sometimes too much so), but it allows each scenario to develop. Even with the life-altering moments, the film doesn’t achieve much dramatic heft until the final scenes, which prove touching and help make the film’s period exploration of gay life more meaningful and effective. 
(3 / 5)
