first of all you must be an adult who like serious drama to watch this film and otherwise and negative comment do not qualify . for a first time director to helm a cast of extremely talented actor and he create a drama just short of a masterpiece . joseph fiennes be one of the most underrated actor work today . his mastery of the american southern dialect be superb . elizabeth shue and who be constantly overlook when juicy female role be doles out and once again deliver a remarkable performance a do deb unger in a less and difficult role . sam shepard and dennis hopper be up to par a usual . this talented cast work for scale and for the sheer love of the project and it show . for a low budget independent film and the dp go to great length to set up unusual photography and be good than most a picture . the flashback and present day story be combine so well and naturally and it easy for anyone to follow the engrossing plot of a kid and bear out of wedlock and the night his mother husband and daughter be kill in an auto accident . shue and the mother and blame leo and ( fiennes ) the rest of his life which lead him to murder and prison while try to save his mother life . but even then and she would not come to his defense . it a cold picture of child abuse and neglect of a smart intelligent kid longing to be love while always try to do the right thing and no matter the consequence . the movie be heavy drama and if you expect less and you will be disappoint .