I can only hope the Wachowski brothers next foray into writing and directing, THE MATRIX, fulfills the promise they show here. This is a well-done example of film noir, one of my favorite genres, with a twist; it's got a lesbian romance at the center. Yet the film is smart enough not to depend on the novelty of it being a "lesbian" film, but takes time to develop both the story and the romance, so we're caught up. I also liked how Violet (the Jennifer Tilly) character turned out; she at first seemed like a pushover but turned out to be the strongest character in the movie.
If I had a quibble, it's that Corky (Gina Gershon, who is very good), is inactive for a crucial, and lengthy, part of the film, which slows things down a little. Also, the way we first see Corky in the film sort of promises a twist that the story doesn't deliver. Still, this is a gripping film, to be sought out by fans of this genre. Oh yeah, and Joe Pantoliano was quite good too.