It is certainly possible to make a transgressive movie about children in sexual jeopardy, and to do so in ways that realistically and intelligently depict the abuse while not revelling in it.

This movie will challenge you on a number of levels, including some beliefs you'd never thought you'd question.

It wasn't enjoyable at any level.

There is hardly a scene that does not produce exquisite discomfort and a strong desire to be somewhere else.

As a director [Ball] amplifies the flaws in his own writing; his supporting characters are too broadly pitched to take seriously, and he tends to smack you in the face with the point of every scene.