On Christmas Eve, twenty years after the day her daughter disappeared, a woman gets an unexpected visit from her ex-brother-in-law, who holds crucial information about that day.
Nail-biting at times, but inconsistent overall. From a filmmaking point of view, it is an interesting opening sequence. Like an omniscient narrator, the audience hovers over isolation and “uninvited” enters Darlene’s house, the amazing Anna Gunn, where the drama and thriller will unfold. Interestingly, IMDb characterises the film only as a thriller. Respectfully, I beg to differ. Anyway, the reunion with the ex-brother-in-law (Jack), admittedly, paces itself but proves to be essential to the plot point that will connect Act I and Act II, namely the revelation of that information. So, be patient and wait for it. Just wait…
The editing slows down, and the disclosure of information comes in waves. Writer/director Alison Locke focuses on Darlene and manages to capture the shock that turns into anger, rage, wrath, and, finally, despair. So far, the film’s strong suit is the balance between Darlene’s reaction to that information (receiver) and Jack’s position (transmitter). Gunn ultimately nails her part as the mother who lost everything that day and had to live day in and day out any parents’ worst fear, and Locke mounts the camera and follows that performance. Until the tables turn… and the characters start acting differently. Personally, this is the point where character development faces irreparable and head-scratching inconsistencies that damage the rest of the film. And this is where I’m going to stop in an attempt not to spoil anything crucial.
The Apology is like a book or wine; some will like it, and some won’t. I definitely recommend it, but that is mostly due to Gunn’s performance. Another recommendation I have with a similar premise but a different story is The Lodge (2019). That is one helluva cinematic ride!
P.S. it is always a pleasure to see Janeane Garofalo in a film, whether in a primary or secondary role.
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