Just because you forgive doesn't mean that you forget, and for the troubled Roxana Zal, dealing with the issue of molestation by father Ted Danson doesn't mean that she'll want anything to do with him unless he can prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that he desperately wants to atone. Danson's offense against Zal is horrendous and he definitely needs to pay for what he did if evidence proves that he's guilty. Danson is a loving father who took it way too far so obviously she isn't making up as revenge for strict discipline. Glenn Close, as the mother, is very similar to the character of Beth Jarrett from "Ordinary People", maybe more openly loving but there is a sense of distance in her towards her older daughter as if she somehow knew, blocked it out and immediately denied it. Everything is revealed through school counselor Jane Kaczmarek who is given the heave ho by Close and decides to report it to the authorities. A kindhearted counselor, the gentle Olivia Cole, takes on Zal's case and explains the facts to her to convince her that she's not to blame.
Outstanding performances and an intense screenplay will keep you gripped as well as angry. Danson is a manipulator, that is for sure, and Close is devoted to him and in absolute horror over what she believes are lies. But then there's the 11 year old sister Missy Francis who could be Danson's next victim. This film is a product of attitudes of the day and fortunately the actions are more than just therapy, a certificate of completion and a return home. You can be angry over the conclusion but this is 1984, not 2021, so this can be viewed with a relief that these types of cases are handled in a completely different way. It was certainly brave of the mature actors to take on such a serious subject.
Of course regardless of the fact that the movie audience can tell that Amelia is telling the truth, the other characters have to discover the genuine truth and Danson needs to become disgusted with himself to be willing to get help and face the consequences. Close shows a huge range of emotions when she realizes the truth and the powerhouse performer who is now legendary shows anger, shock, guilt and even hate as she faces the truth. These characters are not black and white, even the disgusting actions of Danson. His charm makes him far more complex and dangerous because of the image he projects, and that makes this movie way ahead of its time.
Outstanding performances and an intense screenplay will keep you gripped as well as angry. Danson is a manipulator, that is for sure, and Close is devoted to him and in absolute horror over what she believes are lies. But then there's the 11 year old sister Missy Francis who could be Danson's next victim. This film is a product of attitudes of the day and fortunately the actions are more than just therapy, a certificate of completion and a return home. You can be angry over the conclusion but this is 1984, not 2021, so this can be viewed with a relief that these types of cases are handled in a completely different way. It was certainly brave of the mature actors to take on such a serious subject.
Of course regardless of the fact that the movie audience can tell that Amelia is telling the truth, the other characters have to discover the genuine truth and Danson needs to become disgusted with himself to be willing to get help and face the consequences. Close shows a huge range of emotions when she realizes the truth and the powerhouse performer who is now legendary shows anger, shock, guilt and even hate as she faces the truth. These characters are not black and white, even the disgusting actions of Danson. His charm makes him far more complex and dangerous because of the image he projects, and that makes this movie way ahead of its time.