P.S.

Don't be misled by the fact that P.S.--which revolves around an art school admissions director drawn to a young applicant who may be the reincarnation of her dead high school sweetheart--sounds like a hokey Lifetime episode of The Twilight Zone. The possible spiritual element is just a jumping-off point for complex, earthbound emotional baggage as the weary, melancholy, cusp-of-40 administrator's (the brilliantly instinctive Laura Linney) long-dormant insecurities and desires are reinvigorated by the tumultuous affair she initiates with a cheeky, charming painter (Topher Grace, perfectly mixing libido-driven curiosity and nagging consternation). In a 180-degree turn from his provocative sex farce Roger Dodger, director Dylan Kidd vividly captures the intimate details of unguarded moments and deep-rooted sentiments, walking a strange, daring line that may not click with everyone. But the confidence with which he skirts absurdity, while playing into Linney's character's supernatural beliefs about her young lover, makes the film even more thought-provoking. At its core, P.S. isn't really romantic at all--although it sometimes seems that way through its heroine's eyes. Recommended. [Note: DVD extras include audio commentary with writer-director Dylan Kidd and cinematographer Joaquin Baca-Asay, five deleted/extended scenes with optional commentary by Kidd, and trailers. Bottom line: a small but solid extras package for a quirky little film.] (R. Blackwelder)