Stephanie Daley 2006

A shy 16-year-old Christian girl, played with tentative grace by Amber Tamblyn, is accused of killing her newborn baby. But did she even know of her pregnancy? Tilda Swinton, in a memorable powered-down performance, is the pregnant forensic psychologist sent to interview her. “With a calmness that bespeaks confidence, Brougher’s small, spellbinding second feature brings together two women, trapped in separate states of denial and distress, who manage to end each other’s entrapment… Flashbacks to a teenage party, a biology class or Stephanie playing the flute in marching band feel like life caught on the fly.” — Joe Morgenstern, The Wall St Journal.

“This lacerating drama from writer-director Hilary Brougher shines a piercing light onto some of the hidden terrors of women, especially in an era when abstinence can shade into ignorance. The scary culminating flashback, in which Stephanie gives birth – in a public restroom, on a high school ski trip – is a marvel of authentic disturbance.” — Owen Gleiberman, Entertainment Weekly