Review of Snow Cake (2006) by Jacek S — 20 Oct 2008

There are still out there pictures that combine a little bit of a comedy and a bit more of a drama, with both sides well-delivered and "Snow Cake", although oriented around such difficult subject that is autism and guilt, turns out to be one of them.

No relevation or deep message comes out of it, it's mostly an actors' show, especially Alan Rickman's, who's as remarkable as always and lovely Carrie-Anne Moss', who, even though in supporting role, shines as his love interest. It is also interesting to see Signourney Weaver in a very challenging part, especially since the world usually connects her with Ellen Ripley. Whether she was up for the task, I'll leave to you.

"Snow Cake" is modest and often charming in the way how gently it treats its flawed characters. One may find it a bit slow here and there, but it captures the climate of small town life, with its sense that nothing's going to happen in the next ten years.

After all, it is nice to see a picture that tells its story straight without any technical distractions, keeps it simple and therefore truthful and while it is quite possible that I'll forget it in the next few days, it's always a pleasure to watch true talent on screen, turning ordinary situations into interesting ones.