Strange But True (M, 96 minutes)
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3 stars
Some movies are frustrating. They set up interesting situations but fumble the execution. This is particularly disappointing when it's the ending that falters - they were doing so well up until then. Sometimes the premise is one where it feels like no conclusion could live up to the expectations aroused. Strange But True feels like an example of this ending trouble.
The film, directed by is adapted by Eric Garcia from the novel by John Searle, sets up is an intriguing situation that raises a number of possibilities.
It's set in a town in upstate New York. The death of Ronnie Chase (Connor Jessup) on the night of his high school prom five years ago devastated his family. His parents, Charlene (Amy Ryan) and Richard (Greg Kinnear) split after the tragedy: he moved to Florida for a fresh start with a younger woman. Charlene remained in the town and remains grief-stricken, angry and depressed. Their other son, Phillip (the suitably sad-eyed Nick Robinson) is also mourning and is recuperating at his mother's house after an accident in which he broke his leg.
It's an unhappy situation, reminiscent of the 1980 film Ordinary People, but then things take a turn for the bizarre. Melissa (Margaret Qualley), who was Ronnie's girlfriend, unexpectedly turns up at Charlene's with some strange news. She is heavily pregnant and tells Charlene and Phillip that Ronnie is the father. Yes, the Ronnie who's been dead for five years. Melissa is living in a small house owned by childless older couple Gail (Blythe Danner) and retired cop Bill (Brian Cox). A sceptical Charlene starts investigating frozen sperm - the only possibility that seems to make sense to her if what Melissa says is true (surprisingly, nobody raises the idea of a paternity test, which seems a bit unlikely).
This story could go a number of ways. There are plenty of possible explanations for Melissa being pregnant though she sticks to her story about who the father is, but doesn't elaborate. Will Strange But True remain a brooding domestic drama? Will it swerve towards the supernatural? Or will it become something else entirely?
The teaser opening seemed more suited to television than a film, and in the latter stages, Strange But True takes some odd turns and throws out lots of revelations, some of which seem more important and convincing than others. Surprise, of course, isn't necessarily a bad thing but the sudden switch is a little jarring and it feels a little like the film is going for shock effect rather than rewarding audience attention.
On the positive side, there are fine performances by an excellent cast, atmosphere, some believable relationships and a scene with a fortune teller that provides a welcome moment of dry humour. The cinematography is suitably dark and surprisingly unflattering to the actors and the slow build-up does have a payoff.
Even if Strange But True doesn't feel all of a piece, if your interest is piqued by the premise, it's worth a look.