Hard Candy

This movie is not for everyone, the subject matter is pretty dark, and there is one scene that will make any man cringe. For the most part the story takes place in 1 location, with only 2 characters, on the surface you wouldn’t expect much but when you look at what the film makers and cast were able to accomplish its pretty impressive.

The Cast: A pre-Juno Ellen Page stars in and steals the film as a 14 year old girl who meets a thirty something photographer online and ends up back at his house.  Patrick Wilson is the other half of the cast, and gives an excellent performance to the point that even though you know you should hate him you find yourself sympathizing with him at times. Sandra Oh is in it too… for all of 30 seconds.

Working on a budget of less than $1 million the filmmakers managed to produce a thoroughly engrossing film, expertly shot, with a vibrant colour scheme, which contrast perfectly the dark nature of the material. The cast as was mentioned deliver career making performances, and the story is engrossing and well paced. If I had to pick one thing to complain about it would be that a few line of dialogue come across as being somewhat cheesy, but that’s covered by the talent and dedication of the actors.

Hard Candy is defiantly recommended viewing, but with a disclaimer that I don’t guarantee you’ll like it due to the subject matter.

Run Rime:  104 Minutes