In the Bedroom

Name: In the Bedroom
Genre: Drama, Crime
Released: November 23, 2001
Duration: 130 min
Rating: 86
Cast: Sissy Spacek, Tom Wilkinson

2001

METASCORE

Universal acclaim based on 31 Critic Reviews

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USER SCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 84 Ratings

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7.5

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7.5	User Score Generally favorable reviews based on 84 Ratings

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Movie Details & Credits

Miramax Films | Release Date: November 23, 2001 | R

Starring: Sissy Spacek, Tom Wilkinson

Summary: Set in a tranquil town on the coast of Maine, In the Bedroom tells the story of a couple whose only child is involved in a love affair with a single mother. When the relationship comes to a sudden and tragic end, each person must face the intensely difficult decision of how to respond. [Miramax]

Director: Todd Field

Genre(s): Drama, Crime

Rating: R

Runtime: 130 min

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Metascore

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Critic Reviews

100

Jay Carr

The surehandedly wrought, beautifully acted, almost unbearably tense In the Bedroom is a rare film, not to be missed.

100

Roger Ebert

There are scenes as true as movies can make them, and even when the story develops thriller elements, they are redeemed, because the movie isn't about what happens, but about why. Read full review

100

Stephen Holden

When a film as profoundly quiet as In the Bedroom comes along, it feels almost miraculous, as if a shimmering piece of art had slipped below the radar and through the minefield of commerce. Read full review

Lawrence Toppman

Field does what most American directors don't: He shows people at work, in the day-to-day activity unmarked by excitement. Read full review

Lou Lumenick

Tremendously affecting on several levels, In the Bedroom is must-see viewing for anyone who complains Hollywood doesn't make movies for grownups. Read full review

TV Guide Magazine Maitland McDonagh

Meticulously observed and devastatingly well-acted. Read full review

Ronnie Scheib

A killer ending does not a movie make, and ultimately In the Bedroom may be more interesting to talk about than sit through. Read full review

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User Reviews

barnet42

Oct 15, 2012

Sissy Spacek great acting as always , Anyway, this is a great movie to me: adult and charismatic. Superb acting, excellent screenplay, good direction and an intense alarming atmosphere

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

davez

Jul 20, 2007

I bought this used before knowing anything about the film from blockbuster. What a great choice! This movie stirs the soul. I think we can all relate to at least 1 if not all the main characters involved. The villain is unclear... it seems as all the characters hold some form of evil inside I bought this used before knowing anything about the film from blockbuster. What a great choice! This movie stirs the soul. I think we can all relate to at least 1 if not all the main characters involved. The villain is unclear... it seems as all the characters hold some form of evil inside of them whether it be by neglect, indifference, anger or revenge. This movie will no doubt leave you with the same kind of gratification that one had gotten from hearing that Hitler committed suicide before serving justice.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful

CreedenceB.

Mar 28, 2008

just from scanning the shown critic's lowest ratings(and i'm sure they are in the minority), i really wonder, just what is a good film to so-called 'critics'.....the acting was superb, the directing very.....life-like is the only way i can describe it........and the just from scanning the shown critic's lowest ratings(and i'm sure they are in the minority), i really wonder, just what is a good film to so-called 'critics'.....the acting was superb, the directing very.....life-like is the only way i can describe it........and the story so heart-wrenching, i wonder how anyone could not be moved by this comment on society in the most genuine and well-rounded view of death of a loved one (in this case murder) that i have ever seen.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful

amheretojudge

May 25, 2019

Tomei finds herself between Spacek and Wilkinson in awe, reflecting that very emotions, the project cannot be seen with the naked eye.

In The Bedroom Field's field is a battlefield. An ongoing war that doesn't get any chance to think or reminisce about mistake. But mind you, this war goesTomei finds herself between Spacek and Wilkinson in awe, reflecting that very emotions, the project cannot be seen with the naked eye.

In The Bedroom

Field's field is a battlefield. An ongoing war that doesn't get any chance to think or reminisce about mistake. But mind you, this war goes on exhaustingly for the first act. After which, the director, Todd Field, is letting you sink in, the choreography of the battle, tantalizing you for more than, the leftover, one hour. Split into three acts, the introduction is all jazz-like smooth. From paraphrasing the intentions and behaviors of the characters, the thrill comes in expensively and gasps heard in every house of the lane. And the last act, is challenging the smoothness of that first act. Close call, gets a whole new definition and nail-biting situations, well.. bite away.

But personally to me, the stillness captured in the middle act of the film, that helps transcend this drama into thriller, is more inspiring and brainy. The elements are trailed across like bread crumbs that builds quite a pyramid to later climb upon. Now, the performance. A crucial part to a film. As all do, but this one's exceptionally impressive. Sissy Spacek as the pain bearer and apparently creator, her body language can whimper even Tom Wilkinson's performance.

And hovering around, trying to please his partner, and find solace on the way through pursuing tiny glimpses of hope, Wilkinson is quite the challenger to Spacek's non-verbal answers. Yet, I find myself jumping on Marisa Tomei's side. To be on her place has got to be the worst pickle you find yourself in. Still her presence is warm and soothing, even when she is taking a hit or nodding to the comfort given to her. Her performance is perfectly balanced, tip-toeing across the bridge of guilt and horror, she is ripped apart In The Bedroom, garden, workplace and every last piece of land.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

Compi24

Aug 22, 2014

Thanks to some keen use of such thematic ideas as the cycle of violence and the causes and effects of death, "In The Bedroom" kicks the crap out of the viewer's heart and leaves them with a whole lot to think about.

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

QuinnD.

Sep 6, 2002

Not the movie I thought it was going to be. The ending was predictable and an easy way out. The movie would have been far more interesting had the parents faced the murder of their son the way most people do.... Wonderful performances and beautiful film making that joins the dreaded Not the movie I thought it was going to be. The ending was predictable and an easy way out. The movie would have been far more interesting had the parents faced the murder of their son the way most people do.... Wonderful performances and beautiful film making that joins the dreaded '10 Minute Club', i.e. turn it off ten minutes before the end and it's a way better film.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful

NickTheCritick

Oct 19, 2022

I found this film very flawed in several choices. The characters are poorly written (not very detailed) and the film fails every time you need to build tension. For example, Frank Fowler's murder scene wears out too quickly and the violence stays out of the camera. The same goes for the mostI found this film very flawed in several choices. The characters are poorly written (not very detailed) and the film fails every time you need to build tension. For example, Frank Fowler's murder scene wears out too quickly and the violence stays out of the camera. The same goes for the most important scene in the third act of the film.
The killer's psychology is not in-depth, and neither is that of the victim's father, eager for revenge. Cinematography is as good as the original cast but with a script like this, even the acting is negatively affected. I was not at all convinced by this debut by Todd Phillips.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

SEE ALL 10 REVIEWS

9	#9 Best Movie of 2001
97	#97 Most Discussed Movie of 2001
77	#77 Most Shared Movie of 2001