I usually don't review movies but I saw the 'meh'-rating of what I found to be a visually stunning trip and thought-provoking theme so I felt I had to put my two cents!Granted it is not for everybody, I can see how the combination of a metaphysical aspect with a mystery, thriller drama can appear too senseless for some but give it a try with an open-mind!I personally found it very gripping and satisfying to watch- apparently very memorable since I still think about it 2 years after watching! 8.5/10

Not impressive. it is the first temptation for define it. but, like many temptations, it is wrong. because it has the gift to be a film about...the viewer. sure, the performances, the story, the end are good points. but the essence of this beautiful film is to do yourself to be honest with you. because it is a film about masks and about clear perspective about near reality of a child who defines everybody from us. in different manner. it is a film about small pieces as bones of truth. and about the fundamental answers. so, an useful film. for propose definitions and fake realities and price of love. honest, direct, transcending genres and giving a nice picture of the reality in the right nuances.

This very stylish movie may have difficulty finding its ideal audience. It attempts to mix way too many genres and themes – eventually losing its way. It starts out with an intriguing situation to hook the viewer's interest as it follows the life, to-date, and leading up to 9 year old Louis's dreadful 'accident'. A treating doctor (Jamie Dornan) recommends some sessions with a Child Physiologist - superbly played by the always good to watch Oliver Platt (Pieces Of April '03). IMDb have sadly failed to include his name within the top billed cast listing - not good for one of the most important characters in the story. From there, we follow the bizarre family situation young Louis grows up in.Problems begin when the story drifts in and out of presenting itself as a horror/monster, come sci-fi, come psychological sex/murder/child harming mum mystery. None of these themes sit comfortably within the main story of a nine year old boy. Performances are good and the style is undeniable, but few will be ultimately satisfied (as the box office returns suggest).

On a family picnic on a cliff overlooking the ocean, 9- year old Louis Drax (Aiden Longworth) falls over the cliff and ends up in a coma. His mother Natalie (Sarah Gordon) says the father Peter Drax (Aaron Paul) pushed Louis over the cliff. The police and doctors are searching for the truth about what happened and Peter Drax is missing and is a suspect.We come to learn via flashbacks and his narration that Louis Drax is a very injury prone child. Doctor Perez (Oliver Platt) believes the boy is harming himself looking for attention. Then the letters arrive seemingly written by Louis Drax, but how can that be when he is in a coma? The letters tell about things that only Louis Drax knows and the mystery deepens. Dr Pascal (Jamie Dornan) believes something else is going on with Louis Drax. It appears that maybe, just maybe, something supernatural is going on. Now you are getting warm, but how to prove it? There are a couple twists and some may say "convoluted" but nevertheless they are there and come to light. Can you guess?Notables: A Sea Monster and a friend to Louis is the voice of Aaron Paul; Barbara Hershey as Violet Drax, Peter's mother.All in all a very good mystery - convoluted or not - and the acting by all sells it. Kudos. (9/10)Violence: Yes, but brief.. Sex: No. Nudity: No. Language: Yes, but very brief