Review of Snow Cake (2006) by Anne M — 01 Aug 2011

This movie features a character won the autistic spectrum which is a disability that affects me personally (although my son is at the other end of the spectrum than Sigourney Weaver's character). Unlike most movies, this film doesn't just use the autistic person as a cheap plot device but actually is a relatively respectful and accurate portrayal (I usually groan when I hear there is a character with autism in a movie for these reason.) Apparently the screen writer has a child with autism.

The story is compelling although perhaps tied up too neatly at the end and not entirely plausible (but then movies aren't real life).

The performances are excellent in the film; Sigourney Waver is very convincing and I really enjoyed the work of Alan Rickman and Emily Hampshire as well. The only issue I have in the character Carrie Ann Moss plays athough I think that this is more an issue with the writing than the acting. (Her character feels contrived like she merely exists to show how Alan Rickman's charactter thaws - a fact which is shown with some very obvious symbolism.).

However over all, I found this movie a sweet and moving independent film.