Adapted from a written work by the wonderful Andre Dubus. It deals with grief, which, like depression, is an internalized struggle that one so often fights alone. Here we see the devastating effect that it has on a marriage. The tiny cracks in a relationship that turn into potholes, the resentment and blame that arise when a child is killed. It’s heartbreaking stuff that Todd Field (in his directorial debut) manages to explore without overdoing the sentimentality. It’s a quiet movie, even in the midst of terrific arguments (I recall a particularly powerful scene with Sissy Spacek washing dishes) which always underlined for me the unspeakable nature of the sorrow these characters are facing. Quietly magnificent.

>"Ever notice that even the worst bastards have friends?" This was a little slow but once it picks up, it is a great yet heartbreaking movie about grief with some powerful performances. Nice little gem that I had never heard about until I watched it today.

I think the brilliance of this movie are the things that are not said. So much of our lives involve thoughts that we don't speak of. This movie really takes off when the main characters - it isn't obvious until later who they are - are force to deal with the unspoken. And later, retreat back to it in a fantastic final scene. It's hard to believe that Todd Fields hasn't done more films. I highly recommend Little Children. follow me at https://IHateBadMovies.com or facebook IHateBadMovies