KATHY BATES is the title character, an aging woman from a fishing village in Maine with a dark past and a daughter (JENNIFER JASON LEIGH) with whom she shares a dark secret. It's based on a Stephen King novel that has been fleshed out with deeper characterizations, some excellent vistas of New England providing realistic atmosphere, and a satisfying conclusion to a dark tale.
Bates and Leigh (as the far away daughter Selena who returns to help her mother through tough legal problems when her mother is accused of a crime), are excellent, and all of their scenes together have a ring of truth. The supporting roles too are in the capable hands of actors like CHRISTOPHER PLUMMER (as a detective who is convinced of Claiborne's guilt) and David STRATHAIRN as Joe St. George, Bates' abusive alcoholic husband.
Just as Grace Metalious' PEYTON PLACE was transferred to the screen from a rather trashy novel and improved considerably by a more tastefully written screenplay, this Stephen King story benefits from the expansion of character and development as a psychological tale of an abused wife and daughter.
KATHY BATES gives one of her most heartfelt performances as the victimized woman suspected of murder. Well worth watching and the authentic Maine atmosphere adds considerably to the flavor of a good story.
Bates and Leigh (as the far away daughter Selena who returns to help her mother through tough legal problems when her mother is accused of a crime), are excellent, and all of their scenes together have a ring of truth. The supporting roles too are in the capable hands of actors like CHRISTOPHER PLUMMER (as a detective who is convinced of Claiborne's guilt) and David STRATHAIRN as Joe St. George, Bates' abusive alcoholic husband.
Just as Grace Metalious' PEYTON PLACE was transferred to the screen from a rather trashy novel and improved considerably by a more tastefully written screenplay, this Stephen King story benefits from the expansion of character and development as a psychological tale of an abused wife and daughter.
KATHY BATES gives one of her most heartfelt performances as the victimized woman suspected of murder. Well worth watching and the authentic Maine atmosphere adds considerably to the flavor of a good story.