Arcadia (2012)

Arcadia: Directed by Olivia Silver. With Ryan Simpkins, Ty Simpkins, Kendall Toole, Kim Reid. Greta’s dad Tom is moving the family cross-country in a dented station wagon, promising a California paradise to his kids. All that’s missing is Mom.

“A superbly acted and involving film that shows what great cinema can achieve when the writer-director at the helm has true vision. The story of u0026#39;Arcadiau0026#39; is centred on a classic American family road trip, and anyone whou0026#39;s travelled with their siblings and parents on a long journey will recognise the authentic detail that forms the fabric of this film. But the director creates and builds a sense of tension from the opening scenes up to the finale, such that one feels completely involved with the characters – as we see ourselves and family shine through them. John Hawkes is engrossing as ever, and the actors that play his kids more than hold their own – this is their movie. Every moment reads truthful, every scene takes you deeper into the story. One can only wish for more feature films of this calibre.”