From Marilynne Robinson's book about two orphaned sisters who are raised by their dotty, irresponsible aunt after their mother commits suicide. Downbeat story builds to inevitable resolution (with the aunt's lifestyle questioned by the authorities), yet the film's actual climax pulls the rug out from under the viewer, cutting short the voice-over narration and leaving a myriad of questions unanswered. Still, the darkly comic, quirky overtones are arresting, and the characters--helpless, drifting, directionless people--are vividly well-played. Some of the writing and presentation is arty and alienating, but one cannot forget Christine Lahti's leading performance so easily: flaky, frustrating, puzzling, she's one-of-a-kind. ** from ****
Review of Housekeeping
