In the Bedroom

(Warning: Wikipedia contains spoilers!).

In the Bedroom is a tense drama starring Tom Wilkinson, Sissy Spacek, Marisa Tomei, Nick Stahl[?] and William Mapother[?], and directed by Todd Field[?]. It is based on a short story by Andre Dubus[?] entitled "Killings." The movie was released in 2001.

The movie is set in a sleepy fishing town in Maine, USA. The plot concerns a twenty-something man, Frank Fowler (Stahl), who is in love with an older woman with kids, Natalie Strout (Tomei). Fowler is contemplating going to college for architecture, but decides to stay in town, working in the fishing industry. Nathalie's ex-husband, Richard Strout (Mapother) is violent, and kills Fowler in the middle of the movie. Bail is set, and Fowler's parents, Dr. Matt Fowler (Wilkinson) and Ruth Fowler (Spacek) grow increasingly angry, seeing Richard aroud town. Dr. Fowler hatches a plan to abduct and kill Richard with his friend.

The movie was praised for the taut storytelling, strong direction and the acting performances of the main characters.

"In the Bedroom" was nominated for the Oscar Best Picture Award in 2001. Wilkinson, Spacek and Tomei were also nominated for their roles. A fifth nomination, for Best Writing, Screenplay Based on Material Previously Published, was also garnered.