There is a confidence that comes with every plot turn, like the filmmaker was sure the audience would follow him, no matter how uncomfortable things get. The result is captivating and very much a journey worth taking.

It is summer entertainment on a smaller scale and a fitting way to send us into the fall.

The story, despite a lot of subplots that feel like they should connect, doesn’t really end up going anywhere, producing a genuine “what was the point” feeling as the credits begin to roll.

As drama, it is dull and pointless, slow, predictable and completely without style. However, as melodrama, it achieves a level of camp that is fairly entertaining.