Yes, Diane Keaton does give an intense performance as a troubled single mother of two addicted to heroine, but it's difficult to feel sorry for her, watching Keaton go from struggling waitress to unemployed to seller of drugs on the street to user. It's based upon a true story, and the viewer will feel sorry more for the kids than mom. The older son, a teenage basketball player, has to quit the team to take care of his younger brother, and eventually is taking care of her. He even warns her subtly about the school stepping in and possibly taking them away, and with the crowd she starts hanging out with, maybe thar would be the best idea.
Keaton is basically an older version of her "Mr. Goodbar" character, and while she's excellent, there's not much sympathy for her. Lynda Lloyd (who resembles Julianne Moore) plays her friend who gets her involved in selling, and their involvement leads to a very shocking twist that finally wakes Keaton up to the mess her life is in. Michael Seater, as the oldest son in need of constant medication, is quite good. Sadly the film is just far too depressing to enjoy, a signal that just because a story is true doesn't mean that it will make an inspiring movie.
Keaton is basically an older version of her "Mr. Goodbar" character, and while she's excellent, there's not much sympathy for her. Lynda Lloyd (who resembles Julianne Moore) plays her friend who gets her involved in selling, and their involvement leads to a very shocking twist that finally wakes Keaton up to the mess her life is in. Michael Seater, as the oldest son in need of constant medication, is quite good. Sadly the film is just far too depressing to enjoy, a signal that just because a story is true doesn't mean that it will make an inspiring movie.