UK Release: 3rd November 2006
With his debut feature, In the Bedroom, director Todd Field explored the darker side of middle-class suburban angst, and he’s still in the same territory for this follow-up.
The setting is a tight-knit American community, into which convicted sex criminal Ronald McGorvey (an extraordinary turn by Jackie Earle Haley) has been released. He fades into the background quickly, as we’re soon introduced to Sarah (Kate Winslet), a married mother who becomes fascinated with a charming — and equally married — father (Patrick Wilson) at the local playground.
Passions flare, but before you can say “American Beauty” McGorvey bubbles back to the surface as the stories mesh together, leading to an implausible finale that’s not quite as profound as it thinks it is. Though its production values are impeccable and its performances pitch-perfect, Little Children feels intellectually hollow and more than a little exploitative of a hot-button subject.
***
UK cinema certificate 15
Running time 136mins
Review by Damon Wise
Pocket Films Blog 