This movie touches my heart on many levels, and although the subject matter deals with many grim and sad realities of life, it does so in a way that helps you see the person first and then their circumstance. Each character is played superbly, the actor reflecting a little of oneself in their portrayal - their hearts being where they had to be to make their good and bad choices seem reasonable and relatable. What makes the film connect is its universal appeal to human challenges - inner and outer, that many (myself included) must deal with. The suspense was outstanding, not overdone, and quite impactful, carefully timed to keep us waiting for "that moment" of revelation. The way the script captures the trappings of paralyzing guilt and obsessive thinking is ingenious. Zoe, in particular, tortures Merit by pulling her strings like a marionette preventing Merit the freedom to deal with emotional wounds. An appropriate simile as the film conjures up the likes of Pinocchio and his "conscience-minded" sidekick Jiminy Cricket. Lastly, as a final thought, Ed Harris has convinced me to rethink my recycling habits. Man, was he good as always, and as for Morgan Freeman, he couldn't perform poorly if his life depended on it. Well done by all!
