Director: Bruce Beresford
Starring: Richard Dreyfuss, Linda Hamilton, Liv Tyler, J.T. Walsh, John Lithgow
Running Time: 101 minutes
Synopsis: Autistic and incommunicative 9 year-old child Tim Warden (Ben Faulkner) witnesses the brutal stabbing double-murder of his wealthy parents. Therapist Dr. Jake Rainer (Richard Dreyfuss) has a checkered history working with autistic children, and is persuaded by Sheriff Mitch Rivers (J.T. Walsh) to try and unlock what Tim witnessed. Tim's older sister Sylvie (Liv Tyler) helps Jake gain the child's confidence, while Jake's wife Karen (Linda Hamilton) and his rival Dr. Rene Harlinger (John Lithgow) also influence his involvement.
What Works Well: The premise of a child witnessing a murder is intriguing (and has been seen before), and director Bruce Beresford adds gloss to the impressive-looking suburban estate settings. Richard Dreyfuss is never less than committed to the role, and Dr. Rainer is provided with just enough background context to keep him interesting. J.T. Walsh and John Lithgow provide good support.
What Does Not Work As Well: After a robust opening, a murder that would have shocked the community is somehow marginalized and the plotting settles down to overly laid-back beats, Dr. Rainer designated by the script as the only person who can get into Tim's head. Every opportunity to show rather than tell is studiously avoided in a mystery that lacks suspects, suspense, and detective work. Not surprisingly, the outcome is easy to guess, notwithstanding late-in-the-day revelations. Linda Hamilton as the nagging wife is unfortunately wasted.
Key Quote:
Jake (to the incommunicative Tim): What are you seeing in there?
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