This was arguably Riccis last truly great film role before she turned her focus to television with Pan Am and The Lizzie Borden Chronicles. In many respects it takes her over similar territory as Prozac Nation, as her role is that of a deeply troubled young woman whose past traumas manifest themselves physically and psychologically but this time around, rather than mere depression, its also nymphomania, which of course is a considerably easier sell. Craig Brewers film is certainly a provocative mix, given it sees Samuel L Jacksons recently divorced deep south blues guitarist Lazarus find Riccis Rae lying beaten by the side of the road in nothing but a pair of panties and a tiny t-shirt (bearing the Confederate flag, we might note). Lazarus then takes her into his care - only to wind up chaining her up after he comes to believe she has the devil in her. Unsurprisingly the films marketing chose to focus on this element, suggesting a sleazy grindhouse flick; but while the film is not without its share of sleaze (its certainly one of Riccis most sexually explicit roles), at heart its a surprisingly tender film about finding redemption through friendship, faith and music. Ricci again portrays a woman attempting to make peace with her own demons; this time, however, she is equally involved in helping Jacksons character do likewise, as well as her PTSD-afflicted soldier boyfriend Justin Timberlake. As with Prozac Nation, theres no easy happy ending suggesting that all obstacles have been overcome, but there is the hope that the characters will get by with one another's help.
