Common Sense Media Review
By Jeffrey M. Anderson
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Very dark material in Christmas-set, two-character thriller.
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The Apology
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In THE APOLOGY, Darlene (Anna Gunn) has decided to host Christmas, even though it's the 20th year after the unsolved disappearance of her young daughter, Sally. Darlene, not coincidentally, is also 19 years sober. Her neighbor Gretchen (Janeane Garofalo) helps her get ready and then leaves Darlene for the night while a blinding snowstorm rages outside. A knock at the door turns out to be Jack (Linus Roache), Darlene's ex-brother-in-law. He decided to surprise everyone by showing up to the party, but he's here now, he explains, because his car skidded off the road in the snowstorm. They catch up, and Jack admits that he still has feelings for Darlene, after a one-night affair they once had. Then, Jack drops a bomb. He tells Darlene that, after 20 years, he has information about Sally's disappearance.
Is It Any Good?
This drama/thriller, ironically adorned from top to bottom with cheerful holiday decorations, is a tough watch. But it does an admirable job of tapping into deep-seated emotions. The feature debut of director Alison Star Locke, The Apology takes on the daunting job of attempting to unpack feelings that have been gestating over a 20-year period. Gunn's Darlene has spent that time looking for her missing child, trying to keep a glimmer of hope alive. We learn about some of her coping methods, but when the truth comes out, Gunn succeeds wildly at conveying what Darlene must really be suffering and feeling.
Roache also has a difficult job, playing a man who's ultimately weak, prone to blaming others for his problems, and very needy. Yet he still imbues Jack with a sense of humanity; he's three-dimensional. The Apology goes into some very dark places, descending into violence and vengeance, which may betray the serious nature of the material. But, on the other hand, the passions are so powerful that only a sledgehammer ending could do them justice. Thank goodness for Garofalo, in her supporting role, bringing some lightness to the proceedings.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about The Apology's violence. How did it make you feel? Was it exciting? Shocking? What did the movie show or not show to achieve this effect? Why is that important?
How are alcohol and alcohol abuse depicted? Are there realistic consequences? Why does that matter?
What is the nature of revenge? Can it be satisfying? Why? Can it ever truly solve a problem?
Why do you think the filmmakers decided to set the story during the Christmas holiday? How does it affect the mood of the story?
Given that Darlene has spent the last 20 years using her experience to help other families with missing children, do you consider her a role model?
Movie Details
- In theaters : December 16, 2022
- On DVD or streaming : December 16, 2022
- Cast : Anna Gunn , Linus Roache , Janeane Garofalo
- Director : Alison Star Locke
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Writer(s)
- Studios : Shudder , RLJE Films
- Genre : Thriller
- Run time : 93 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : December 8, 2023
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