SISTER, SISTER
Thick atmosphere, kinda like Venus
No, not Brian De Palma's Sisters. This one's the directorial debut from the guy who would eventually go on to helm Gods & Monsters, which everybody loved to death (haven't seen it yet). It's co-written by a guy named Joel Cohen - this man is not, I repeat NOT Joel Coen of the Coen brothers.
The plot concerns two sisters who are living together in an affluent Louisiana plantation home. One is Charlotte (Judith Ivey), who is overprotective of her sister Lucy (Jennifer Jason Leigh), who appears to be suffering from a number of emotional disorders. Their relationship is a little dysfunctional, but they get along well enough until a Congressman's aide (Eric Stoltz) comes and determines that Lucy has to be allowed to think for herself, and sets out to "free" her, so to speak, from the overbearing sister.
It's a very good film overall, with terrific performances by both of the ladies, great atmosphere, and a nice plot twist that sets up the ending. It's very dark, visually speaking, and probably would have come across even better on the big screen. Great score from Richard Einhorn too, especially during the climactic moments.
On the other hand, Eric Stoltz's performance is so low-key that you'd barely know he was there (as usual). And the overall effect of the film is badly marred by the needless introduction of the supernatural at the end and some really cheap, unnecessary shock effects after that.
Still, very good stuff. Also features a very non-fatal shotgun wound to the neck. Just how the hell do you survive something like that?