Surface Calm

I think this is a great film because it shows how a seemingly normal housewife has severe mental issues. It also points out how family members often downplay these problems and have hang ups about seeking professional help for their loved ones. This movie made me understand things I did not before.

The groundwork is laid perfectly when Leah Loftin flinches as her photo is snapped in the opening scene, and from there she skillfully drags us through the pool of anxiety that her everyday life has become. With a minimal use of cast, actors, and props, the filmmakers have successfully depicted one woman's breakdown and her attempts to cope, and her too-busy husband's "day late, dollar short" effort to deal with it.

I noticed Leah has a part in "Monster's Ball"; I look forward seeing more from this talented actress in the future.