Tough and cynical small-town policewoman (Sarah Lancaster) investigates a drifter (Tom Everett Scott) who comes to town with his young son and goes to work as a handyman for her three Amish aunts. He has a secret and she's protective of her aunts so she's determined to find out what he's hiding.
What a pleasant surprise this was. I was flipping through the channels and caught this on UP. One look at Sarah Lancaster's gorgeous face and I was hooked. She does wonders for a uniform, as well. Tom Everett Scott really did look like a bum here. A lot of times movies try to make someone appear homeless or disheveled and it still looks glamorous. Here, though, the guy really does look like a mess with unkempt hair, scruffy beard, and dirty clothes. Thomas Kapanowsi, the little boy playing his son, is very adorable. Kelly McGillis (from Witness) as one of the Amish aunts was a bit of inspired casting. No doubt someone is patting themselves on the back for that. Scott and Lancaster have nice chemistry, although one of the bigger pills to swallow about the story is how he's even able to connect with someone else so soon after his wife's death. It's even more eyebrow-raising when you consider the circumstances. Still, they manage to make it a believable love story. It's also pretty wholesome and sweet despite some dark subject matter underneath the surface. Beautiful scenery, sincere performances, and some good writing make this better than average TV movie fare.
