In Your Hands

English-born, French-resident leading lady Kristin Scott Thomas continues to challenge herself in edgy Gallic art house fare, and proves a compelling presence in this story of abduction and reconciliation. She plays glacially reserved surgeon Anna, who first appears in a state of some distress, relieved to return home to her Paris apartment. Yet before long, writer/director Lola Doillon rewinds events to reveal that she has just escaped from a traumatic kidnapping, which has indelibly changed her life. Scott Thomas never tries to make Anna immediately likeable, so her journey becomes all the more involving as her altered circumstances render her unusually vulnerable. Co-star Pio Marmaï is also effective as her alternately aggressive and befuddled captor. So it's a shame the film as a whole never feels quite developed enough to convince - sadly, too many questions are left hanging. Yet on a scene-by-scene basis this is an excoriating, insightful study of professional responsibility and humane compassion.