Review of Beautiful Boy (2011) by Heather M — 22 Mar 2012

A devastating look at the pain and suffering of a couple whose son has committed suicide after a murderous rampage. Maria Bello and Michael Sheen are riveting as the parents, and the lack of distracting sound track and the hand-held shots emphasize their isolation as they struggle with the question that captivates the entire media storm over the incident: "Why?" I wanted desperately to have more of a backstory about their son to try to make sense of what happened, but perhaps that was the point -- that some tragedies just don't make sense.

Searing and memorable... but so sad that I don't think I'll want to see it again.