Sister, Sister

The atmosphere is thick, the JJL very naked, movie gave me the vapors - I had that Bill Murray moment where I got intrigued by seeing who wrote it. Eric Stoltz is the worst possible love interest, you can't cast him in these after playing Rocky Dennis, it's all I hear. Poor Beaux :(

Great atmosphere in this silly swampy potboiler, like third-rate Tennessee Williams as seen in a tangerine dream. "Who lives out here?" / "Trappuhs. Shrimpuhs. Coupla psychos. Like me." *sweeping strings and keybs*

When it comes to mood and setting, Bill Condon's first feature film is pretty great. Unfortunately, the story feels very TV-movie. JJL is always a delight, but even her thick-as-hell accent can't make this more memorable above its Southern gothic aesthetic.

This could have been a c-grade horror flick, but Bill Condon takes his first film seriously and wisely uses his budget on scope cinematography, quality score and interesting actors. It's biggest assets are the southern setting and gothic atmosphere that haven't really been utilized that much. Stoltz, Leigh and Ivey are solid, and it's a pity that the twists and cliches finally sink the film during the last third. Still, it's surprising that it's not better known due to it's stars and atmosphere.