Jolene

Jolene is a movie that is quite obviously carried by the lead actress. On its own, while well shot, it's a relatively meandering story of ten years in the life of a young girl filled with one horrible relationship after another. But newcomer Jessica Chastain does a fantastic job of breathing life into the character, and in the end makes this film absolutely engrossing.

When I say meandering, I mean really absolutely no point. Nothing is learned by any character, and it's a little hard not to be frustrated at them when looking back on it. But this thought doesn't have a chance to surface until hours after the strength of the performances has faded, which is quite a feat.