Faults, a comedy drama - or "dramedy," as some people like to call them nowadays - marks the debut feature of writer/director Riley Stearns (a cements him as a talent to watch). Starring Leland Orser and Mary Elizabeth Winstead, the film tells the story of a woman who, having been caught up in a weird cult, finds herself abducted by a de-programmer bent on exposing the truth. Though the movie takes a "black comedy" approach to the material, it still explores with issues like brainwashing with a genuine seriousness. And Winstead, one of the most underrated actresses in Hollywood, is absolutely fantastic. Much of the movie relies on its closed setting, which sees Orser - the de-programmer - and Winstead holed up in a motel room as he attempts to undo the damage that has been done to her. The best thing about Faults, however, is that you can't predict where it's going to go; it's littered with surprises. By the end, the ride has been both funny and rather horrific.
Sam Hill is an ardent cinephile and has been writing about film professionally since 2008. He harbours a particular fondness for western and sci-fi movies.
