Who We Are Now

Julianne Nicholson delivers a powerful performance here as Beth, an ex-convict trying to regain custody of her son. Told in parallel with the struggles of an idealistic young lawyer (Emma Roberts), this is a captivating study of society's capacity for forgiveness, and what type of person we regard as "redeemable". Wearing an embattled expression throughout, Nicholson goes through the emotional wringer as she faces prejudice from lawyers, employers and even her own family. The cleverly written script also subtly asks the audience whether we believe Beth deserves another chance, and if we have the right to deliver such a judgement. Nicholson is surrounded by an impressive supporting cast, including Zachary Quinto as Beth's lover, a man suffering from PTSD, and Lea Thompson as Roberts's imposing mother. All these performances come together to create a gritty but always engrossing portrayal of what the human spirit can endure.