A Map Of The World Details

Several worlds away from the science-fiction series for which she now appears to be best known, Sigourney Weaver gives what is perhaps the finest performance of her career — as a rural housewife not just on the verge of a nervous breakdown, but engulfed by it. As Alice Goodwin, she's the lone bright woman in a Wisconsin farming community. But her mundane life is disturbed when a neighbour's two-year-old daughter drowns in her care and a young local, Robbie (Marc Donato), thereafter accuses her of sexual abuse. A term in prison and a resulting trial help to redeem her and bring about self-forgiveness. Director Scott Elliott loses his grip on the idea in the second half, but Weaver's performance transcends the flaws. It's the best drama she's ever done.

"...A serious film that has provided Weaver with what is arguably the richest and most challenging role of her career....Weaver responds with a luminous portrayal that misses no nuances or implications..."