Stephanie Daley
(Regent Releasing and Liberation Entertainment)
Written and Directed by: Hilary Brougher
Starring: Tilda Swinton, Amber Tamblyn and Timoth Hutton

Stephanie Daley, the sophomore feature from writer/director Hilary Brougher, is a topical and sadly familiar tale of unwanted pregnancy. The film’s titular character, strongly portrayed by Amber Tamblyn, ignites local controversy when she gives birth to an unwanted baby girl on a school ski trip. Having kept her pregnancy a secret, Stephanie is accused of murdering the child she claims was stillborn. Lydie (Tilda Swinton) is the forensic psychologist hired by the prosecutor to investigate Stephanie’s case. Lydie is nearly ready to give birth to a child of her own, but she is haunted by a previous miscarriage. Despite the oncoming birth, her marriage is shaky at best, partly as a result of the previous failed pregnancy, so her character and story make her a provocative foil for Stephanie.

The film cuts back and forth between flashbacks and the present, slowly revealing Stephanie’s backstory while contrasting it with Lydie’s own personal travails. Set in a largely conservative Christian community, the film tackles questions of abortion, sex education and parental and community responsibility. Noteworthy are the scenes set in both English and Sex Ed classrooms, focusing on the differing viewpoints and methods of educators constrained by the ways the government and community require them to present their curriculum.

All the actors turn in solid performances, but the interplay between Tamblyn and Swinton anchors the film. Also of note is comedian Jim Gaffigan, turning in a surprising dramatic performance as Stephanie’s father, whose life comes unhinged as his family becomes the focus of a controversial news story.

But when the truth finally comes out, it’s surprisingly anti-climactic. The film’s cut and dried “that’s how it happened” is at odds with the dramatic and emotional buildup that the viewer has invested in throughout the course of the film. Furthermore, some of the film’s subplots—the condition of Stephanie’s father and her status as the class black sheep—are left up in the air.

Stephanie Daley is certainly a strong picture, but for all the issues it raises, it doesn’t deliver a satisfying payoff.

6 Blips out of 10 By Aaron Passman

http://stephaniedaley-themovie.com
www.regentreleasing.com

0 Blips out of 10: All evidence of its existence should be destroyed.
1 Blip out of 10: "Get out of the house!" The filmmakers should pay you to sit through this.
2 Blips out of 10: "This is so bad it's gone past good and back to bad again."
3 Blips out of 10: So bad it's good. Midnight movie potential.
4 Blips out of 10: Not recommended. Derivative, predictable or simply not entertaining.
5 Blips out of 10: A mixed bag. See at your own risk.
6 Blips out of 10: A good film overall. Recommended despite its flaws. Try a matinee or second-run theater.
7 Blips out of 10: A very good film. Minor flaws are overshadowed by memorable scenes, dialogue or performances.
8 Blips out of 10: An excellent film. Deserves to be seen in a first-run theater before viewings at home.
9 Blips out of 10: A potential classic. Achieves excellence in all the facets of filmmaking, from writing, directing and performance to photography, editing, sound design and score. See in a first-rate movie house.
10 Blips out of 10: Cinema magic. An artistic landmark that will remain a touchstone for future generations of movie fans and filmmakers.