Reservation Road.

I made the mistake of starting Reservation Road last night at 11:30PM. I guess I should have known that the phenomenal cast of Mark Ruffalo, Joaquin Phoenix, Jennifer Connelly, and Mira Sorvino would keep me up. Reservation Road deals with all sides of a hit and run accident that leaves a young boy dead. Dwight Arno (Ruffalo) must decide whether or not to turn himself in; and Ethan Learner (Phoenix) becomes obsessed with finding out who “murdered” his son.

There is great conflict in the story; and the filmmakers give you the feeling that this could happen to anyone. Even with a simple story and compact cast; this film feels like a gripping thriller. It doesn’t get too overly dramatic; crying and screaming for the sake of emoting. The performances are spot on. I have always admired Ruffalo and Phoenix; and in this film they do not disappoint. I’m not sure I totally buy Ruffalo as a lawyer; but that isn’t a huge distraction. Connelly is so believable; at one point I was worried the neighbors would think there was a real argument going on next door; and I lowered the volume.

Writer/Director Terry George (Hotel Rwanda) offers another engaging and important film.