This is a 2005 mystery based on a book by Alice Hoffman. Since I have not read the book, I have no comparison to offer in that respect.

The movie begins with two police officers driving through a small town. It is wintertime with snow on the ground. The scene shifts to some small boys traipsing through the snow alongside a river. One sees something in the river and stops for a closer look. This sets the plot. They have discovered the body of a young boy floating face up in the river.

It is revealed that the boy, Gus Pierce, is a student at a local private school, and the two officers, Abel Grey and his partner, Joey, are sent to investigate the death.

Subplots and numerous twists and turns keep the viewer guessing the outcome throughout the film. The school dean, afraid of a scandal, insists the death is a suicide. The town leaders go along with this since the school is a generous benefactor.

Detective Grey has the history of his brother Frank's suicide on his mind, and this plays a large part in his attitude toward the case.

Carlin Leander, a student friend of the deceased, and the girlfriend of a member of a secret society at the school adds new twists to the mix leading Detective Grey to believe the death is a result of a hazing.

Betsy Chase, a sympathetic photography teacher, turns over a photo to Detective Grey showing a fuzzy image of Gus in his room after his death.

Flashbacks, moral dilemmas, disappearing figures, numerous clues, good music and great winter scenes help to make this movie interesting and enjoyable.

everyone who enjoys a good mystery. The ending has an unusual twist.

the scenery and the small town setting. The characters were believable holding my interest and inquisitiveness throughout the movie.

some of the subplots. Betsy, the photography teacher, quickly jumps into bed with Detective Grey, then dumps him, then is locking lips with him again with no apparent relationship to the storyline that I could see

think more about the moral aspects of the movie, the reasons someone might be pushed to suicide, the guilt felt by those left behind, and the insensitiveness of people who put themselves and their positions first.

sorry for students who feel they are outsiders and proud that there are people who will do the right thing regardless of the consequences.

did a good job making their characters believable.

it is thought provoking as well as a good mystery.

those who have recently had suicides in their family may find it upsetting.

Overall, this movie held my attention and gave me something to think about afterwards resulting in a satisfying experience and not a waste of my time as I feel some movies are. Now, I want to read the book to see how it compares.

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Created Jun 09, 2010 at 12:36pm • Submit your own review...