Back Roads

Trauma affects different people in markedly different ways. In this dark, twisty drama, a 20-something Harley Altmyer (Alex Pettyfer) is still coming to terms with a shattering event from his past. Harley has been left to look after his three younger sisters, so he works at two jobs in his rural backwater of a home town. Miserable and desperate for connection, he begins an affair with a married woman (Jennifer Morrison) who lives nearby. Morrison, to her credit, is excellent. In the lead role, Pettyfer (who also directs for the first time) plays Harley as a mopey, awkward character who doesn't say much. This makes sense, given his childhood experiences, but the film could really use some lightness. At times, it is a gloomy slog. The screenplay (co-written by Fatal Attraction director Adrian Lyne) contains enough twists and revelations to hold your attention, but they aren't as dramatic or shocking as they should be. Regrettably, the same could be said about the film.