If you’re someone who believes that all love must be defined as exclusively gay or straight, or either platonic or romantic then you will not enjoy this movie. The power of the film is its exploration of the many different shades of grey that exist when it comes to such a complex subject as love and loss.

It’s important to know that this ambiguity is found, not only in the love between Bobby and Jonathan, but also between Bobby and Alice (Sissy Spacek); the woman who ultimately becomes his surrogate mother. Their bond is at heart so pure but on the surface is seemingly so wrong.

Few actors could be tapped for a role of this complexity and pull it off with any success. Colin Farrell does it brilliantly and, as with most great performers, almost effortlessly. He is without a doubt one of the most talented and versatile actors in Hollywood today.

So much more than a pretty face and an infamous reputation, Colin truly embodies the chameleon-like abilities that every true actor should possess. You are not simply watching Colin playing another part; he is Becoming that role and that person. Every nuance, inflection, body movement, all are perfectly natural because he IS that person.

I did have a few problems with the film particularly in regard to the actors playing opposite Colin. Dallas Roberts, who was cast as the elder version of Bobby’s childhood best friend, Jonathan, was less than believable as a gay man that was able to have casual sex as often as he liked with anyone he wanted. And the female lead, Claire, played by Robin Wright Penn, was less than riveting as the tie supposedly binding these characters together in the latter part of the film. Sissy Spacek, on the other hand, was excellent as the reluctantly rebelling 60’s housewife yearning to experience more.

The writing could, at times, be a bit more polished and the chemistry between the actors could be more pronounced, but the bottom line is that Colin gives an amazing performance, possibly his Best to date, and the subject matter is so fascinating and fresh that any short comings really do fade as you sit back and reflect on the movie afterwards.

Let’s just hope that when it hits DVD, the filmmakers will have the good sense to give the audience what they want!!!

Movie Grade: A-

Synopsis:

From the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of "The Hours" comes a story that chronicles a dozen years in the lives of two best friends who couldn't be more different. From suburban Cleveland in the 60s, to New York City in the 80s, where they meet an older woman, the film charts a journey of trials, triumphs, loves and losses. ...