This thoughtful, well-written and well-acted legal drama examines effectively some complex legal and personal issues as well as turning up the tension in the somewhat melodramatic second half. Peter Coyote gives a strong performance as the bright young lawyer in a small Pennsylvania community who is landed with the near-impossible task of defending a local recluse charged with the brutal murder of a teenage girl (which we witness at the beginning of the film). The whole of the town is baying for his blood. Matters are made worse for Coyote and his older, more experienced colleague (a solid portrayal by the always-reliable Dabney Coleman) when the accused makes a devastating confession on another matter - in strict confidence. Liam Neeson gives one of his intense, credible portrayals as the accused (similar to the role he played in Suspect, the same year, also with Coyote) and Caroline McWilliams is effective as Coyote's wife, within the limitations of her character imposed by the script. Note that there are some gruesome scenes which some viewers may find upsetting.


©ipc tx. Film content from TVTimes