Chuck & Buck

Essentially a film about stalking, this excellent independent feature confounds expectations by opting for the creepy and the quirky. This surprise tack keeps the viewer intrigued and allows sympathy for both stalked and stalker, and it's rounded off with a delicious twist in the tale. Chuck (Chris Weitz) and Buck (Mike White) are former schoolfriends who've drifted apart, but remain bonded by a single act of homosexual dabbling. When the childlike Buck's mum dies, he renews contact with Chuck, but Chuck has a new life with fiancée Carlyn (Beth Colt) and Buck's increasingly obsessive intrusions get on his nerves. Written by White, the film benefits immeasurably from his offbeat physical appearance. It's nicely scripted, skilfully directed, beautifully acted and, considering its subject matter, surprisingly warm and likeable. In a year when the blockbusters generally underachieved, this is a small film that exceeds expectations.