FIREFLIES IN THE GARDEN was filmed in 2009 and never received a theatrical run. It was just released on DVD and caught my attention due to the Cast which includes Julia Roberts, Ryan Reynolds, and Emily Watson. After watching it, it is understandable why it was not theatrically released. It is a very small slice of life film that has no business being seen in a multiplex alongside vampire movies and 3D blockbusters. The story involves a family gathering for a graduation that suddenly becomes a tragedy after the sudden death of one of the characters. Told through flashbacks intercut with present day drama, it is a study in family dysfunction that is often hard to watch but utterly engrossing. Willem Dafoe is mesmerizing as a Father filled with a lifetime of unexplained rage towards his wife and son. Ryan Reynolds shows dramatic chops as a character haunted by unresolved issues with his estranged Father. Emily Watson proves again that she is one of our most underrated and underused actresses. Julia Roberts is impressive in a small but important role. I found the film flawed but highly moving. It's at times painful in it's honesty and I admired the fact that it didn't go for a typical "Hollywood ending" but instead concludes with an ending that rings true, yet hopeful. It runs a swift 90 minutes and is worth a slot in your Netflix queue.
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