The film is visually passive, and the score is portentous. Even so, these lapses don't break the spell of honest feeling or blur the hard-won wisdom that emerges from the experience.

Karen Moncrieff's previous film, the shallow and pretentious Blue Car, in no way prepares you for this superbly acted, emotionally acute picture.

Those who pass on The Dead Girl are missing something. Moncrieff has assembled a remarkable (and mostly female) cast, and there are moments in this film that are as powerful as anything currently in theaters.

Despite its shortcomings, [Karen] Moncrieff's unconventionality and inventiveness should keep The Dead Girl alive long enough to have your own mini-breakdown before hitting the box office.