Rabbit Hole, 2010

Rabbit Hole, 2010
Director: John Cameron Mitchell
Cast: Nicole Kidman, Aaron Eckhart, Dianne West



Stage: Home theatre

Rabbit Hole in short: Becca and Howie Corbett are a happily married couple whose perfect world is forever changed when their young son, Danny, is killed by a car. Becca, an executive-turned-stay-at-home mother, tries to redefine her existence in a surreal landscape of well-meaning family and friends. Painful, poignant, and often funny, Becca's experiences lead her to find solace in a mysterious relationship with a troubled young comic-book artist, Jason - the teenage driver of the car that killed Danny. Becca's fixation with Jason pulls her away from memories of Danny, while Howie immerses himself in the past, seeking refuge in outsiders who offer him something Becca is unable to give. The Corbetts, both adrift, make surprising and dangerous choices as they choose a path that will determine their fate.



Preps: One of the hot ones in the cinema lately, also notorious for its Oscar chase. Nicole Kidman should have one of her premium roles to come - critics said this might be it.


Reality: Losing a child might be one of the experience none of the parents wish to have - ever in their lives. The pain seems to be too hard to handle for many people. There are several movies on this topic in the last few years, in my opinion the most harsh one would be from Lars Van Trier - Antichrist. The pain, shown in that movie, is beyond belief. This piece, however, does pose an answer how some people tackle the problem of not being able to trust themselves anymore, blaming themselves, placing blame on the partner, on the neighbourhood, etc. Rabbit Hole takes us a step forward. If at Antichrist the parents couldn't blame else than each other and the moment of unpaying attention when making love, the story in the Rabbit Hole makes us meet the guy that ran over the young Danny. Moreover, the viewer doesn't come to hate the young boy, but grows deep empathy for the mother that is trying to get connected with the young man.

Wreckage in the family, that is what is usually hidden behind the scenes of such a deed, and cracking of relationship - that happens also here. The piece is constructed with many powerful dramatic scenes, beautifully played dialogues, especially those that aim in dispair of the mother and lack of self control. The father, being placed a bit aside in this case, is left out of the focus, but nevertheless, doesn't leave you untouched.

The movie is a good example of what to think about when having a child in mind. Even though we are all mortal, it doesn't mean we can cope with this or accept the fact that our loved ones are gone.



My personal rating: 8,0 (a good drama, recommend to see).


Rabbit Hole on IMDB