One of this year's most auspicious feature debuts, In the Bedroom is a considered, slowly unfolding examination of a decent American family, and the solid New England community in which they have lived all their lives. The Fowlers are respectable and well liked - he is doctor, she tutors the local school choir, they have a son who they evidently love, who is preparing to leave home for college. Specifically, the film explores with great candour the impact of a swift and sudden tragedy on this upper middle class marriage, and the undercurrents of anger, blame and frustration which are propelled to the surface. Then, from these private, personal interactions at the heart of the family, In the Bedroom moves outward to reveal a complex and entirely credible picture of wider social dynamics and divisions. The film never strikes a false note, and the restraint and control which is evident in both direction and in a clutch of superb performances simply serves to make the emotional impact of the film all the more intense. Even by their own usually excellent standards, Tom Wilkinson and Sissy Spacek give remarkable, beautifully precise performances (and were rewarded accordingly when the film aired at Sundance), with Marisa Tomei and Nick Stahl arguably no less impressive. In short, unmissable. This film is nominated for The Sutherland Trophy.

Sandra Hebron - Notes from London Festival Progamme