The Visit

It couldn't possibly work without a transcendent central performance. Harper gives us that, and more.

It's hard not to give it bonus points for avoiding prison movie clichs and for taking a long, unblinking look at the complex dynamics of one American family.

A testament to the tenacity of the family, particularly the African American family.

More important than the technical precision of the actors' turns is the rapport they all share--which ultimately lends this story of a family its authentic, immediate poignancy.