Who We Are Now

Australian actor-director Matthew Newton has made a prestige film (with some heavyweight actors in supporting parts) that also serves as a platform for a virtuoso starring performance by Julianne Nicholson (I, Tonya; Masters of Sex). Always a slightly enigmatic actor, Nicholson has never been better than she is here playing ex-convict Beth, whose child—born in prison—has been raised by her sister. Tormented over pretending to be an aunt to her son, Beth makes a legal move for custody, jeopardizing her case with a prison-bred explosive temperament. The story follows Beth as she tries hard to build the foundation of a new, responsible life, even if it means allowing herself to be exploited and abused. Hope appears for Beth when she is not only represented by a feisty young lawyer (Emma Roberts) but also begins a romance with a troubled veteran (Zachary Quinto). Nothing is simple, judgement is clouded, and the viewer roots for this grim, angry and vulnerable woman to just get a break. Although the film often looks amateurish, Newton excels as an actor’s director (the film also features Jimmy Smits, Jason Biggs, and Lea Thompson). A powerful drama, this is recommended. (T. Keogh)