Time Out Magazine
November 6, 2002
By Anna Smith

An atmospheric and visually stunning film that never sacrifices content for style, this is an accomplished feature début from award-winning ad director Mehdi Norowzian. Two Mississippi stories are told in alternate bursts: one of a released prisoner, Stephen (Joseph Fiennes), who works at a grubby diner, one of nervous suburban wife Mary (Elizabeth Shue, in a standout performance) whose life spirals into tragedy after she's told of her husband's affair. Never rushing its narrative, the film gives us plenty of time to absorb their intricate personalities, gradually introducing the theme of resistance - or otherwise - to the cruelty of chance. A quietly emotive journey.