The hand of novelist Doris Lessing can be seen in this film. It is her short story that is the basis for this slightly disturbing film set in Australia about two best friends who fall in love with each other’s 20 year old son. There is something rather contrived about the whole scene but the actors manage to create a watchable film that throws up questions about taboos and secrets. It doesn’t end terribly convincingly and many viewers may imagine other denouements but there it is. Robin Wright in particular and the always dependable Naomi Watts do good work as the “perfect mothers”,
Xavier Samuel and James Frecheville as the young hunks are also up to the job 
but I did feel direction, camera and music tried a little too hard. Nice NSW beach scenes but all a little bit distant from reality.
★★ +
passionfilm 