Junebug (2005)

Directed by Phil Morrison. Starring Embeth Davidtz, Amy Adams, Ben McKenzie, Alessandro Nivola, Celia Weston, Scott Wilson, Frank Hoyt Taylor, Alice Van Couvering, Joanne Pankow. [R]

While in the area trying to land a local artist as a client, art dealer Davidtz goes to meet husband Nivola’s family: opinionated mother Weston, taciturn father Wilson, sullen and withdrawn brother McKenzie, and his cheerful pregnant wife (Adams). Small but absorbing gem, observant of small-town behavior and values, and featuring a knockout performance from newcomer Adams, who starts out so chatty and flaky, she seems to be playing a one-note down-home caricature, but then layers are revealed and the young woman winds up a nearly tragic character deserving of the viewer’s empathy. Never goes for the easy culture-clash/”dumb hick” jokes or tries to tie up conflicts or misunderstandings with a pat resolution; instead, it’s as understated as it is inventive. Only the subplot with the “genteel bigot” of an outsider artist (Taylor) Davidtz is trying to sign doesn’t mesh, as it never becomes clear what makes his art so special or why Davidtz is so determined to broker a deal with him (art is subjective, I know, but…). Music by veteran indie band Yo La Tengo.

80/100