Like the race-horse of the title, the cast in this dark, eccentric tale are pure thoroughbreds...Nick Nolte, Jeff Bridges, Albert Finney,Kathryn Keener, Sharon Stone along with up and comer Shawn Hatosy. And though the director, Matthew Warchus, appears to be a first time helmer, his handling of these pros is sure-footed. Warchus also does an impressive job of steering us through a complex plot with sure, visual dexterity. SIMPATICO, from a script by Warchus, based on a Sam Shepard play, really isn't about horse-racing. It's an entertaining exploration of betrayal, survival and how the simple passage of time changes the whole equation.