Blue Car

A breakout hit at the Sundance Film Festival, Blue Car tells the story of 18-year-old Meg (Agnes Bruckner), who--while coping with her disturbed younger sister and her angry mother--finds a refuge from her stormy home life with her English teacher, Mr. Auster (David Strathairn, Passion Fish, L.A. Confidential). His encouragement leads her to apply to a poetry competition in Florida, even though her mother (Margaret Colin) offers neither money nor emotional support. Blue Car depicts her increasing attachment to her teacher--and his increasing attraction to her--with respect and careful detail, providing an acutely female perspective on the experience (this is writer-director Karen Moncrieff's feature film debut). The interplay between Bruckner and Colin is just as vital, even though the writing of their relationship is more familiar. Also featuring Frances Fisher (Unforgiven) in a vivid cameo as Auster's sardonic wife. --Bret Fetzer