Review of The Familiar Stranger

So many reviews giving accolades to Margaret Colin but given that she has acting experience, unlike most the main characters here, I expected more. The mother was emotionless, unbelievable, detached... And she never aged, which is a super simple accomplishment for the most rookie makeup artist. Granted, the script was clearly made-for-tv with a small budget and throw-away directors and writers. But I was hoping for more. I also found the story a bit far-fetched -- if this is based on fact, how could a mother teach her sons that suicide is some kind of pedestal and not be more honest about what a coward's way out that is. Why didn't she take help from the grandparents or other family instead of moving into a dump and abandoning the furry family member? What kind of wife doesn't insist on seeing some evidence before telling the sons their father is dead? And this guy has moved practically next door after pretending to commit suicide across the country! First, we're told she's too naïve to know her husband was in financial straights -- twice --and then we're supposed to believe she is so independent she puts the boys in a ghetto, dumps the family dog, and disappears 10 hours a day for a job knowing her eldest son has psychological issues. The best acting was when the dad actually tried to say how much he loved and missed them all that time -- that's what sociopaths do well: Act. Sad story; poorly dramatized. Cera and Ashmore also did a great job as the abandoned sons. But this is a made for tv B-rated tedious film. It spends so much time introducing us to the family that it's almost half over by the time the coward takes a powder. Then zooms to 10 years later to when she finds out from the social security office that he's still alive. Still there is zero emotion from her. I think most women would have made a statement in the court and tried to get him a longer sentence that he would actually have to serve, such as daring to bring his barely legal girlfriend into court to rub in her face. Instead she forces the boys to make the case for her. A good attorney could have got him for other things, including Fraud and Pain & Suffering.