Snow Cake

This low-key film about a group of strangers brought together by the unexpected death of a young woman is largely an actors showcase. As an autistic mother who does little visible grieving over the death of her daughter, Sigourney Weaver manages to make the most of a trick role, despite the fact that the film wants to perceive her as an angelic creature fixated on trampolines and coloured lights. While it's hard to make a part like this less than gimmicky, it's much less of a stunt performance than, say, Dustin Hoffmans in Rain Man. Weaver delves into the intentness of her characters movements, rather than being caught up in the fascinating and "ingenious" rhythms of autism. There are some rather unlikely subplots; one involves an alluring divorcee (Carrie-Anne Moss) stranded in a small town, who is more than happy to cater to the protagonist (Alan Rickman), but again, the actress gives an unexpected warmth and depth to her lines.

Review by Lesley Chow