Movie | Birthday Girl | Pass

Chapman and Kidman power this mild thriller along about a lonely Englishman who sends for a Russian mail-order bride. Of course it's a setup and there's gonna be trouble, but the real movie is about strangers (who have some severe emotional issues) meeting and finding a bond when there is seemingly none.

While the movie never goes terribly dark, if you're nervous about such things (potential violence) this one isn't for you. I liked it. It kept me on my toes and it was original enough. They let the characters be less than decisive at all times, which is probably why US audiences never picked this one up.

Kidman's performance reminded me of a similar movie with her in it, Dead Calm, which I enjoyed thoroughly. While this movie isn't quite the same, it has a sinister quality to it, too. She's a superb actor, that's for sure. It's hard to remember that when her personal life has overshadowed her skill and talents these days. But, this movie reaffirms her as a major talent. I give it a better-than-average Pass.