Period drama based on the play by Anton Chekhov in which an actor leaves Moscow to visit her terminally ill brother.
Chekhov is notoriously difficult to film and this adaptation boldly taps into the play's mordant wit. But the fidgety and over-emphatic visuals detract from the themes and the stellar performances.
Anton Chekhov's masterpiece is brought to the screen with a fine cast but lack of unifying vision.
Individual performances are great, but the finished product is uninspiring.
Director Michael Mayer captures the comedy, tenderness and the bleakness of the play.
General release. Check local listings for show times.
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