Beneath the Blue Suburban Skies

Jim (Edward Burns) and Tina (Jennifer Ehle) have a post-work ritual: he chugs a beer, she sips a martini, someone sorts out supper, and the conversation, all too often, concerns the kids. Frankie and Debbie are both in their twenties, both still living at home. Frankie has a job in sales he's destined to screw up; Debbie is unemployed and enjoying the extra time it leaves for staying out late, sleeping in, and hanging out with a boyfriend her father can't stand. As the atmosphere tilts between high tension and deep affection, with everyone seemingly surrendered to the status quo, some urge inside Tina is growing — and is about ready to explode. (Toronto International Film Festival)