For those who haven't experienced sexual abuse in the home from family members, this subplot may seem sensational. For those who have (and don't yet remember it consciously) it may be disturbing. For those of us who do remember, it is a cathartic story that lets us know we are not alone, and it's a brave subtext for Nicholas Kazan to tackle, Courtney Hunt to direct, and the actors to portray.
Jim Belushi's portrayal of Boone Lassiter, the gregarious, happy guy in company but the dominating, abusing husband and father in private, using sex as power, is disgustingly true to life. It's easy to not sympathize with the fact that he was murdered; however, murder is a crime that leaves evidence – the body. Rape within the family leaves no evidence as long as the victims are continually bullied and fearful of getting help.
Through flashbacks and narration, the relationships between the Lassiter family as well as defense attorney Richard Ramsay (Keanu Reeves) are revealed. Granted, Ramsay says he knows the family well, that he's an old friend – he used to work with Boone Lassiter. As the film progresses, it becomes clear that he was more than just a friend. Loretta Lassiter (Reneé Zellweger) shows the tension, reserve and hesitation that hallmarks many abused women, however, one scene reveals that her relationship with Ramsay is more than just as a family friend.
Mike Lassiter's silence is the problem around which Ramsay has to navigate, and as the story is unraveled it's not until the end it becomes clear why the son refuses to speak to his own lawyer and friend of the family. It's not as simple as teenage brooding. Gabriel Basso gives a nuanced performance – without speaking. The courtroom scenes are well played and riveting, with each redirection of questioning from Ramsay's defense revealing what has actually been happening in this family, through people's lies.
This film shows that when it comes to violence within a family, the whole truth often isn't revealed in court. Despite merciful justice in the courtroom, in life, redemption isn't so simple, and people take great risks – and commit crime – in order to protect someone they love. Despite the disturbing subject matter, I highly recommend it – precisely for the subject matter.
Isabeau Vollhardt Author, The Casebook of Elisha Grey mystery/detective/SF series
Jim Belushi's portrayal of Boone Lassiter, the gregarious, happy guy in company but the dominating, abusing husband and father in private, using sex as power, is disgustingly true to life. It's easy to not sympathize with the fact that he was murdered; however, murder is a crime that leaves evidence – the body. Rape within the family leaves no evidence as long as the victims are continually bullied and fearful of getting help.
Through flashbacks and narration, the relationships between the Lassiter family as well as defense attorney Richard Ramsay (Keanu Reeves) are revealed. Granted, Ramsay says he knows the family well, that he's an old friend – he used to work with Boone Lassiter. As the film progresses, it becomes clear that he was more than just a friend. Loretta Lassiter (Reneé Zellweger) shows the tension, reserve and hesitation that hallmarks many abused women, however, one scene reveals that her relationship with Ramsay is more than just as a family friend.
Mike Lassiter's silence is the problem around which Ramsay has to navigate, and as the story is unraveled it's not until the end it becomes clear why the son refuses to speak to his own lawyer and friend of the family. It's not as simple as teenage brooding. Gabriel Basso gives a nuanced performance – without speaking. The courtroom scenes are well played and riveting, with each redirection of questioning from Ramsay's defense revealing what has actually been happening in this family, through people's lies.
This film shows that when it comes to violence within a family, the whole truth often isn't revealed in court. Despite merciful justice in the courtroom, in life, redemption isn't so simple, and people take great risks – and commit crime – in order to protect someone they love. Despite the disturbing subject matter, I highly recommend it – precisely for the subject matter.
Isabeau Vollhardt Author, The Casebook of Elisha Grey mystery/detective/SF series