In the Bedroom

In the Bedroom is a 2001 movie directed by Todd Field and starring Tom Wilkinson, Sissy Spacek, Marisa Tomei, Nick Stahl and William Mapother. It is based on a short story by Andre Dubus entitled "Killings".

The movie was praised for the taut storytelling, strong direction and the acting performances of the main characters.

In the Bedroom was nominated for the following Academy Awards:

• Best Picture
• Best Writing, Screenplay Based on Material Previously Published
• Actor in a Leading Role (Wilkinson)
• Actress in a Leading Role (Spacek)
• Actress in a Supporting Role (Tomei)

Synopsis

(Warning: Wikipedia contains spoilers!).

The movie is set in a sleepy fishing town in Maine, USA. The plot concerns a twenty-something man, Frank Fowler (Stahl), who is in love with an older woman with kids, Natalie Strout (Tomei). Fowler is contemplating going to college for architecture, but decides to stay in town, working in the fishing industry. Nathalie's ex-husband, Richard Strout (Mapother) is violent, and kills Fowler in the middle of the movie. Bail is set, and Fowler's parents, Dr. Matt Fowler (Wilkinson) and Ruth Fowler (Spacek) grow increasingly angry, seeing Richard aroud town. Dr. Fowler hatches a plan to abduct and kill Richard with his friend.