There’s a compelling dilemma at the center of this film, but all the pretentious crap that surrounds it makes it incoherent and frustrating. Two couples (Richard Gere, Laura Linney, Steve Coogan & Rebecca Hall) meet for a meal in a fancy restaurant to discuss how they’re going to deal with the horrible crime that their teenage sons have committed. Intriguing. Then, narrative ramblings and other side trips dilute the narrative momentum and keep the drama from ever building. To make matters worse, the writing never rises to meet the complex nature of the scenario. The cast has strong moments, but they can’t rise above the meager meal of a script.

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