The Owls

In Cheryl Dunye's experimental murder mystery—the title stands for “Older, Wiser Lesbians”—former members of an L.A. punk band called The Screech reflect on their lives, days past, and a friend who “disappeared” (but actually died under circumstances the women have agreed to keep secret). Members of the group, who disbanded 10 years before, address the camera—documentary-style—while their inner monologues form a multi-voiced narration. In an unusual twist, the actresses speak both as themselves (about the film) and as their characters (about each other). The hard-drinking Iris (Guinevere Turner), who lives with MJ (V.S. Brodie) until they sell their house, establishes herself as the diva of the group. Lily (Lisa Gornick) and Carol (Dunye) are still together, but not happily. One night, the four meet Iraq War veteran Skye (the muscular Skyler Cooper), who used to live in the area and was friendly with Cricket (Deak Evgenikos), the “missing” acquaintance. Although she doesn't tell the women, Skye feels certain that they're responsible for Cricket's disappearance. Dunye uses visual clues and music cues to suggest that Skye might be dangerous, but since she's cordial enough, Lily and Carol let her stay with them until she gets her bearings. Meanwhile, Lily struggles with her attraction to Skye. Dunye tries to do too many things in this hybrid-genre film to be completely successful, but her many fans will appreciate this. A strong optional purchase. (K. Fennessy)