Viper Club

This is a very well-made drama that seems deeply researched and moves viewers without heavy-handed manipulation. But while it stops short of exactly endorsing paying ransom to terrorists, it definitely celebrates Helen's efforts to do so. That's a complex issue, and one that isn't fully explored by an otherwise carefully considered film. The possible consequences of putting millions of dollars into the hands of terrorists to try to save one life aren't seriously addressed, beyond possible prosecution by the U.S. government. Viper Club also sparked controversy because its plot and details quite closely resemble the actual story of kidnapped conflict journalist James Foley, but filmmakers never secured Foley's family's permission to tell his story. The family seems to have made peace with the probably well-intentioned filmmakers, who reportedly took the family's advice about some changes. But those two points cast a shadow over the movie.

All of that said, Sarandon is excellent . She's effortlessly believable and shows remarkable restraint in a role that could have been sung to the rafters by a showier actress. The moments when Helen's strength slips and her devastating emotions beneath bubble up are powerful indeed. Director/co-writer Maryam Keshavarz (Circumstance) doesn't get operatic or manipulative, instead giving the viewer room. A sequence depicting the death of a child and the grief it causes is particularly affecting. The film's indie structure, as opposed to the clockwork plot movement of a studio widget, creates a feeling of unpredictability without resorting to plot twists or cinematic tricks. The serious questions raised by Helen's actions may be unaddressed, but at least the film -- and Sarandon's performance -- leave no doubt about her motivations.