Viewed: IN THE BEDROOM

The title perhaps would create images of sexual acts or perhaps a couple going to make with each other 'in the bedroom'! But...nothing of that sort happens; well...at least there is no sex 'element', and...a couple do go against each other, however they do so as their lives have lost complete meaning since the death of their only child.

This is what the film deals with - trying to come to terms with the death of a child. And in doing so, Tom Wilkinson and Sissy Spacek give terrific performances in this very sensitive film. A loving couple watch their young son (Nick Stahl) in love with an older divorced mother (Marisa Tomei, as captivating as ever) of two children; though they don't approve of the relationship like matured parents they back-off and let their son work his way out. However there are underlying tensions and external conflicts, including violence which results in their son's death.

The film then travels a path that's extremely tough to pull through - highlighting the grief of the parents and their anguish, which results them splitting in different worlds, becoming strangers in the same room. This is the tough terrain as the film goes on for a long period before the next big turning point happens. It moves very slowly as if depicting the grief through the pacing and yet...it grips you. As the plot turns, the film gains momentum and moves towards a satisfying resolution. One may wonder if the actions taken by the docile couple are 'authentic' but that's what precisely the film does - shows what grief can do and how any action could be believable.

The entire pace of the film is leisurely. But it gets us involved with the family, with the small town and the people with whom the couple spends time with. And that's the beauty of the film - showing the every day life but...keeping us engaged with the story of this couple. It first focuses more on their son and his girlfriend, and gradually moves to delve into the psyche of the parents.

Nothing is worse than losing one's child, and the film takes us on a painful journey. Courtesy it's languid pace, the film may not work with a younger audience, but if you shall invest your attention, you will be rewarded with a great cinematic experience.

Based On A Short Story By Andre Dubus
Screenplay: Robert Fetsinger & Todd Field
Director: Todd Field

Rating ****

[Max ****]