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Closet Land. The title itself conjures up thoughts of secrets. And that is really what's at the heart of this Amnesty International film. Government secrets, personal secrets, both are integral pieces of this story.

By far the greatest acting seen in too long a time, both Alan Rickman and Madeleine Stowe were phenomenal in their portrayal of a Government Interrogator and Victim respectively. With only the two actors in this unusual standard length film, it is instantly clear that both actors were dedicated and talented enough to pull the viewer into this tiny bubble of a world and shut the door.

A WORD OF CAUTION...

What isn't mentioned on the description of this movie is that there is a subplot that deals with childhood sexual abuse. While there is no graphic detail about the abuse, the nature of it may be difficult for some viewers to watch - especially given the intensity of the film on whole.

I'm not a big fan of Amnesty International films, but this movie drew me in because the acting was so exceptional, and I can't help but make this movie one of my personal favorites.

Unlike glossy Hollywood films, this one is firmly British. The gray look and realistic quality of the film make this thriller stand out. The plot itself isn't exceptional, and the acting is only competent; however, the creep factor is high. There was not a person in the packed theater I saw this with (at a film screening back in 2002) that did not audibly gasp at times. The tension of the room as we squirmed watching certain parts was amazingly thick. The best part, in my opinion, about the creepy, unnerving moments of the film was that none of the scenes seemed to reek of that 'more blood and guts the better' mentality. This movie makes the simple task of injecting a needle horribly disturbing.

People who want a dramatic high-impact "Razzle-Dazzle" movie should stick with the US made ones. But anyone interested in a quieter film with a subtle edge should seriously check this film out.