(rated R, 114 mins.)
Jean (Catherine McCormack) narrates the story of a young photographer, herself, sent on a magazine assignment to the New Hampshire Island of Smutty Nose, where over 100 years ago two young women were murdered. While investigating, Jean realizes she has her own set of issues with famous writer husband, Thomas (Sean Penn) who is presumably having an affair with Adaline (Elizabeth Hurley) while dating Thomas’s brother Rich (Josh Lucas). The story inter-cuts between the period piece and the weekend of the two modern day couples, as Jean’s paranoia parallels the intensity of her failing marriage and the twisted historical murder. Suddenly the sexy camerawork, seductive soundtrack, suggestive eye-casting and ice cube sucking, make everyone seem suspicious. Not to mention Elizabeth Hurley parading around the sailboat topless in white bikini bottom. The theme for both past and present story line tells that it is wiser to keep silent and preserve the bond. As the tale progresses it seems history repeats itself in a dramatic and unexpected conclusion. The acting of both the present day and past characters is well appointed with special attention going to Maren Hontvedt (Sarah Polley) as the young immigrant trapped in a loveless marriage and obsessed with a clandestine love affair from her own past.
