There is a memorable moment in "Black Bags" where the character Sara forcefully insists that Tess accompany her to a local diner for pie. The waitress brings them a slice of boysenberry and slice of lemon merinigue pie. While the pie is delectable, it is also a key dramatic symbol that bonds the two characters in a conspiracy of silence.
The film was well-scripted in the conceit of the mix-ups in the luggage in which Tess mistakenly takes Sara's bag that contains a human head. The filmmakers hit all the right notes in devising a style of dark comedy that was credible, eerie, and occasionally sly in its sneaky moments of irony. Case in point: Sweet little Freddy, the son of Tess, has been named after slasher icon Freddy Krueger!
While all the performances were strong, an actress named Olesya Rulin must be singled out for a remarkable character transformation in Tess. A mousey expectant mother at the start, Tess has a complete makeover by the end. The performance alone is worth watching this well-crafted film.
So many of today's big budget Hollywood films are a complete waste of time. This modest effort runs on all-cylinders with a roller coaster ride of emotions, snappy dialogue, and first-rate performances.
The film was well-scripted in the conceit of the mix-ups in the luggage in which Tess mistakenly takes Sara's bag that contains a human head. The filmmakers hit all the right notes in devising a style of dark comedy that was credible, eerie, and occasionally sly in its sneaky moments of irony. Case in point: Sweet little Freddy, the son of Tess, has been named after slasher icon Freddy Krueger!
While all the performances were strong, an actress named Olesya Rulin must be singled out for a remarkable character transformation in Tess. A mousey expectant mother at the start, Tess has a complete makeover by the end. The performance alone is worth watching this well-crafted film.
So many of today's big budget Hollywood films are a complete waste of time. This modest effort runs on all-cylinders with a roller coaster ride of emotions, snappy dialogue, and first-rate performances.