Following in the tradition of Stephen King, Todd Field’s haunting, Oscar-contender In the Bedroom reveals the lurking horror beneath the surface of small-town Maine. The superb film features a fine cast of actors such as Sissy Spacek, Tom Wilkinson and Marisa Tomei performing career bests.

Set in the seemingly sleepy town of Camden, Maine, In the Bedroom concerns events that occur in the lives of a family over the course of one long summer. Wilkinson and Spacek play an aging couple, Matt and Ruth Fowler. New York-born Ruth is a choral music teacher at the local high school, while Maine native Matt is a practicing doctor and well respected figure in their community.

The Fowler’s only child, Frank, who is working part time as a lobsterman to earn money for architecture school, is clearly the focus of their lives. Although they are laid-back and compassionate parents, they are confused about their son’s decisions. Ruth especially, in her passive-aggressive silence, takes great issue with the fact that her son is dating a recently separated woman with two young children.

Everything about this family and how they interact with one another is so typical and natural, that even the minimal character development in the movie seems superfluous. With the spirit and grace of a Wyeth painting, the lethargic pace of small-town Maine life only draws the unassuming viewer deeper into this psychological thriller. The fact that there is virtually no soundtrack adds to the film’s peacefulness, and asks the audience to be more emotionally engaged.

When asked what she thought of In the Bedroom, senior Emily Strout said, “It’s a quiet movie, but it sneaks up on you.” She added how difficult it is to describe the film to those who haven’t seen it, saying, “I don’t want to say something that would give it away.”

The difficulty in describing this film lies in the fact that the plot is almost purely a device for the deeper story, which the viewer has to see for himself to really understand. There are no showy performances in this film, and any audience member could identify with the raw honesty of its presentation. The key to this film’s horror is held in its seeming simplicity, which leaves the thoughts of the characters open to one’s imagination. The passage of time is obscure and seems to lose all importance in the characters’ lives.

Perhaps in an attempt to avoid giving it away, I have painted a boring picture of In the Bedroom. I was not surprised to hear the restless whisperings of bored audience members throughout the film. One has to realize that despite its idealized reputation, there is nothing interesting about living in small-town Maine aside from the beautiful setting. This movie is slow, but not boring. It is quiet, but not silent.

Perhaps this review may only appeal to those who have already seen the movie, but I can only recommend it to those who haven’t. If you are looking for action, go see Black Hawk Down, but without revealing any more, I can promise In the Bedroom will shake you.