Demanding performances are pulled off superbly by Jeremy Irons and Dominique Swain. When every major studio in Hollywood rejected this picture, Showtime showed the guts to pick up this controversial movie based on the classic novel. It was briefly released theatrically so that it would be eligible for recognition by the Academy. Hopefully they will take advantage of the opportunity to reward what the filmmakers have accomplished.

10-point scale rating: 8

This film may repulse you, and just when you think it couldn't go any further, it does.

If you choose to rent this, get another movie just in case you can't stomach the storyline.