...but perhaps that was the point in this melancholic writing/directorial debut from Samantha "The Messenger" Morton, who was apparently exorcising some demons. More power to her, and to the unwanted children this film so obviously champions. Happily, cinemaphiles will find much to admire in the acting, especially that of newcomer Molly Windsor--who will surely be someone to watch should she pursue the craft--and much of the photography and lighting is quite beautiful, but I'll be the first to admit that this one can be a tough slog, as the pace is quite restrained, undoubtedly deliberately so. "The Unloved" is a character-driven polemic, perhaps almost too didactic for its own good, and doesn't sport much in the way of mainstream appeal (much like its subject, I suppose). Still, it's a very well done piece, and worth a viewing, if only to remind yourself that it's a very good thing to not be one of the unloved in this world. I look forward to Ms. Morton tackling something else from the distaff side of the lens, but hope it will be something a little more energetic.
Review of The Unloved
