This movie premiered on HBO back in 2002, but I never saw it until today. I regret that. I regret that I waited SO LONG to actually see it, that is. Man, this movie is gut-wrenching! Uma Thurman gave such a great performance -- at first, I really disliked her character...but then I started to understand her more, and then I just felt plain bad for her. Juliette Lewis was a great balance as Thurman's best friend, and Gena Rowlands was fabulous (isn't she always?) as Thurman's mother. I can't even really put into words how I feel about this movie -- I think because it touches on a part of my own life in times that I felt so lost, and kept searching for something to call my own. I mean, I wasn't desperate about men like Thurman's character, but I could certainly empathize with wondering "What's wrong with me?". Of needing to be loved instead of used.
This is a chickie movie, I think. If you're a chickie, see it. The tone is down-right 80s (purposely), and they nailed it -- music, costume, props, everything. I'd be surprised if you couldn't relate to at least one person in the movie. We've all been there -- maybe not that desperate, but we've all searched and all felt 'lost'. It's a painful watch -- especially with Uma Thurman's performance, but it's because her portrayal is SO DAMN GOOD. She really captures the 'feel' of that helplessness in her character's life.