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Every Thing Will Be Fine  (DVD)

4/10

Stars: James Franco, Rachel McAdams, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Peter Stormare, Patrick Bauchau, Robert Naylor

Director: Wim Wenders

Franco reveals unsuspected sensitive depths in this serious and rather overlong drama, originally shot in 3D. He plays Tomas, a writer who gets into an argument with his girlfriend and goes out for a drive to collect his thoughts. Distracted, he unintentionally strikes and kills a young boy. The accident leaves deep psychological scars he cannot shake off. Despite his struggle to rebuild his life, he remains tormented by guilt many years later and still sees himself as a murderer.

Unfortunately, a below-par screenplay makes the film seem dreary and hollow and, despite Franco's efforts, out emotions (apart from a temptation to go to sleep) are never fully engaged. From a director of Wenders' talents, it's disappointing.

David Quinlan

Canada/France/Germany/US 2015. UK Distributor: IFC Films. Colour.
113 minutes. Widescreen. UK certificate: 15.

Guidance ratings (out of 3): Sex/nudity 1, Violence/Horror 1, Drugs 0, Swearing 2.

Review date: 10 Jun 2016