There's a lot to recommend this film. The plot is taut, if familiar, the writing is thoughtful, if theatrical, and the mood is carefully developed throughout. Still, the performances of Roache, Gunn, and Garafalo are what sell it. Imo, Linus Roache is always added value, so that was no surprise. I haven't seen Gunn in a whole lot since Breaking Bad, except that Ok-but-not-so-great American version of Broadchurch. She's powerful here playing a wronged, angry, hurt character with a lot of unattractive emotional baggage. It's also a treat to see Garafalo onscreen in a dramatic role again after her years fighting the culture wars on radio and popping up just here and there in her friends' comedies. Overall, I'd say that The Apology is a solid entry in the bad-memories-for-Christmas subgenre.
Review of The Apology
