Synopsis: In 1970s American suburbia, Maggie and her younger siblings spend the night telling each other stories in the attic. Downstairs, their parents put on airs and entertain guests over the course of a gin-soaked evening. The more they drink, the faster the artificial civility of the gathering deteriorates, and for the first time, the family is forced to confront the truth behind the betrayals and disappointments of their lives. By grounding her film in authentic, honest emotion, filmmaker Julia Dyer (Late Bloomers) presents a portrait of family life that rings utterly true. This is not simply a nostalgic melodrama, but rather a serious examination of family life that will surely resonate with audiences. Dyer perfectly captures the poignancy of childhood and the inevitable moment when a child comes to realize that her parents are flawed individuals. Showcasing standout performances from John Hawkes, Molly Parker, and a cast of talented young actors, this is a candid and challenging look at the reality behind the façade of a seemingly perfect American family. [Synopsis courtesy of TribecaFilm.com]
While he may have missed out on an Academy Award nomination for yet another great performance in "The Sessions," fans of actor John Hawkes don't have to wait long to see him again on the big screen. Once again changing gears, the actor stars alongside the underrated Molly Parker in the...
Read More »Here's a reminder, as the Sundance Film Festival gets underway, that not every movie at a festival is going to make it or be remembered. And so it goes for "The Playroom." The film starring John Hawkes and the underrated Molly Parker premiered last spring to not much fanfare at the Tri...
Read More »Freestyle Releasing and Freestyle Digital Media have acquired theatrical and all DVD and VOD rights to “The Playroom,” directed by Julia Dyer. The drama, which premiered at the 2012 Tribeca Film Festival, is scheduled for a day-and-date release on theatrical and DVD/VOD Feb. 8.
Read More »Our network of critics have deemed Cate Shortland's new film, a tale of postwar survival, the film to watch this weekend. Also in this week's edition of Criticwire Picks: a new look at two documentaries and the film from the late '60s that hasn't aged quite as well with Criticwire members.
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