A woman with amnesia attempts to understand what's happened to her

Rating: 8/10 (23 December 2003)

This is an educated and well crafted film with many of the hallmarks that make David Lynch one of the finest directors working today. There are moments of great tension and vivid cinematography. Lynch imbues the film with intelligence and thought provoking ideas. He creates in the viewer a sense of sympathy for the main character's plight but also keeps the plot tight and full of intrigue. You are repulsed (intentionally) by some of the darker characters but paradoxically it is quite difficult to "take sides". The sugary sweet nature of the secondary lead is soon left behind as we realise that she too has a more ambiguous nature.
Lynch squeezes every ounce of talent out of the performers who turn in believable and convincing performances. This is a compelling, erudite yet thoroughly watchable film.