For me there really is nothing better than good writing, good actors and an interesting and engaging film. This has all of that.
I won't go saying that this is a fantastic film, it's not going to be on the top 250 list with Shawshank, but what it does attempt to do it does very well, tell a compelling story about two lonely people in different stages of life from two different socioeconomic levels finding each other first for a physical relationship and over time that relationship deepens into something quite beautiful.
Spader is a white collar ad exec who seemingly has everything a 27 year old would want, except he lost his wife two years prior and is still quite depressed and mourning her loss. His friends want to see him find someone new, but it doesn't seem to work for him as he just isn't receptive to the women he is paired with.
He find Susan Sarandon in a bar, she's drinking and they start off awkwardly but there is a palatable connection that these two actors have that is unmistakable. A quite sexy (in my opinion) love scene occurs and in the next morning while Spader is trying his best to be a gentleman but still get out of her home after what he believes is a one night stand there is something there that these two wounded people connect on.
The thing that I love about this movie is it's honesty. It doesn't go where you'd expect this movie to go. It is well directed and the story is quite compelling in addressing the needs to two adults to love and be loved. It's the theme of social expectations and the burdens they cause (rightfully or not) and the impact they can have on a relationship.
It really is a shame that films like this just don't get produced any longer as it's nice to see good actors bring interesting characters to life in a very well produced slice of life film.
