Pure

I picked this film up not knowing what to expect, and was pleasantly surprised. It is a gripping story, and the characters are well-developed. There are indeed several disturbing scenes and some sad circumstances, but it is tastefully done. I think everyone should watch this film, honestly. It reminds the viewer of the harsh realities of the world. Kiera Knightly does a wonderful job in her supporting role, as do the rest of the actors. Definitely an incredible performance by the little boy for such a mentally and emotionally demanding role. The score is also well-written and captures the tone of the film nicely. Overall, this is a wonderful, sad, gripping story that is a must-see!

Molly Parker is indeed convincing as the addict mother but the person who brings this film off is the boy who plays her son -- so it behooves us to get his name right. Harry Eden makes a brilliant debut in this difficult role. He is onscreen in almost every scene, with far more screen time than either Parker or David Wenham who plays the mother's supplier. His daily trials are grim but his ultimate resolution of them is cathartic.

Mel (Molly Parker) is a mess after the death of her husband. She's a junkie being taken care of by her 10-year-old son Paul. Family friend Vicki (Marsha Thomason) dies in an overdose. Paul is forced to confront that his mother could die from drugs. Her friend Lenny (David Wenham) feeds her the drugs. Paul befriends waitress Louise (Keira Knightley). Mel decides to quit Heroin cold-turkey with Paul helping out but Lenny stop it. Paul's grandparents tries to get him away from his mom.

The kid is wonderful in this. Of course, he's given a really juicy role. Molly Parker does a great job as a junkie in a British accent no less. The story is filled with humanity and it flows through the kid. Knightley has a co-starring role as a junkie grifter waitress. It's interesting to see her character presented at first as a savior for the kid.

I saw this movie at the Toronto film festival. Yet again Molly Parker gives a convincing performance, this time as a widowed single mother who becomes a drug addict. David Wenham plays her son and he goes to heroic lengths to keep his family together. Love rules in this movie.

I was so impressed by this film. At first glance, it's just another junkie flick, as another user has implied - but there's a real humanity to this film that movies like "Trainspotting" and "Requiem" are lacking. I think this is largely due to the absolutely *stunning* performance of the main character - probably one of the best child actors I've ever seen on screen.