It is too strange to imagine it becoming a commercial success and not insightful enough to become an art house hit. Those looking for a strictly traditional romance will likely be confused. However, it is worth the trip for those seeking a slight spin on the familiar.

It is a little uneven, repetitive at times, with an ending that makes the story feel sort of pointless. But it is also cleverly made, with likable characters and a constant sense of overwhelming dread hanging over every second.

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.

In its uncomplicated way, it encompasses the beauty of this world and the challenges of living in it. It is a truly touching story.

What sets it apart a bit from its peers is the gritty direction and an incredible performance from its young star.

It isn’t actively bad, yet there is absolutely nothing compelling about it.

It is sad, intense, slow-moving, well-acted and, too often, dramatically stilted.

Even though it does everything you expect, and nothing you don’t, it still kind of works due to some well-filmed racing action and the always welcome charisma of Brad Pitt.

Depth is replaced by lots of closeups of his face and distorted shots of him looking contemplative.

Cronenberg's creativity is what leads to a movie like this feeling so disappointing as the final credits begin to roll.