Zipper

Sam Elllis (Patrick Wilson) is an ambitious South Carolina federal prosecutor who has established a reputation as a fiery moral crusader. But what starts out as a one-time experience with a high-end escort service called Executive Privilege turns into a growing addiction, jeopardizing Sam's marriage, family, and career. Sam's downward spiral begins with perusing Internet porn, followed by a tempting kiss with a seductive law school intern (Dianna Agron), and an encounter with a former hooker (Elena Satine). Soon Sam is caught in a $1,000-an-hour obsession, pleading with American Express to extend his credit. While this unfolds, it's hard for viewers not to recall the extramarital travails of similarly disgraced politicos, such as John Edwards, Mark Sanford, Eliot Spitzer, and Anthony Weiner—along with subplots propelling TV's far-better The Good Wife and House of Cards. Unfortunately, filmmaker Mora Stephens is so anxious to get to the salacious scenes that she doesn't bother to build crucial character arcs, particularly for Sam, who should enjoy some audience empathy before his philandering starts. Wilson is not the only wasted talent here; also on hand are Lena Headey as Sam's bitter, lawyer-turned-stay-at-home wife; Richard Dreyfuss, as a cynical political strategist; and Ray Winstone as an investigative journalist. A flaccid cautionary tale, this is optional, at best. (S. Granger)