Film Reviews

Rabbit Hole

• Rating:
• Director: John Cameron Mitchell
• Starring: Aaron Eckhart
• Details: US/91mins 15A

Dealing with grief from a more practical start-point than most Hollywood efforts, Rabbit Hole is admirable for its simple, but realistic approach to the loss of a child. Ostensibly at least, the couple have continued with their life; but hints at their still aching grief are gradually leaked as the film moves on. While Kidman and Eckhart are instantly believable as a couple and their reactions to a horrible loss always convincing, the film isn't as engaging as it should be.
Kidman and Eckhart are married couple Becca and Howie. We soon learn that they lost their four year old eight months before we meet them for the first time. They're dealing with the loss differently, and despite doing the right things (group counselling etc) they are struggling to communicate with each other. Eh, that's pretty much it in terms of plot.
There was a film a few years back called Moonlight Mile that dealt with grief in a heartfelt and delicate manner. It was character driven but had a romantic subplot, that while deviating from the core story of loss, made it feel more like a film and less like folk wallowing in their own self-pity. Rabbit Hole is considerably chirpier than most efforts dealing with such sombre subject matters, but has precious little to recommend it other than some decent acting. Basically, not a lot happens.
Kidman has always been rated far above her actual ability as an actress. Some of her earlier performances are strong, but once she boarded the gravy with biscuit wheels train that is movie stardom, it became mediocrity incarnate from then on. She gives easily her strongest performance in years, and while the Aussie has never been averse to taking risks (the controversial Birth for one), Becca is a pretty straight down the middle mourner in a relatively broad flick. Eckhart has a bit more pondering to do and seems a little uncomfortable in some scenes (he is not a convincing crier), but is generally very good - he and Kidman are always watchable when sharing the screen.
There's nothing wrong with Rabbit Hole per-se, it's a competently made, mostly well acted drama dealing with a relatable subject matter. It just has very little meat on its bones when you break it down, and will struggle to hold the attention of most viewers.

Review by Mike Sheridan