Moonlight Mile

Coming to the UK nearly five months after its disappointing US release, this period drama's delayed British debut was thought to be an attempt to capitalise on possible Oscar nominations. Yet despite its convincing 1970s setting, award-friendly themes and sensitive performances, the Academy remained unimpressed. However, writer/director Brad Silberling's polished drama provides its own rewards, blending a simple premise (grieving parents take in their murdered daughter's fiancé) with more complex emotional undercurrents that are superbly evoked by the strong cast. While the veteran actors - Dustin Hoffman and Susan Sarandon, in roles written especially for them - credibly convey the emotional highs and lows, it's the awkwardness and vulnerability of the youthful Jake Gyllenhaal that connect most satisfyingly. Silberling's final-act catharsis for every character and conflict is laid on too thickly (as are the copious period tunes on the soundtrack), but there's no doubting the film-maker's sincerity.