Doing grief is tricky. At its most effective, it can reach out and wrap itself around your heart. But [Nicole] Kidman is never given a chance to take it in, deep into herself, and bring it out.

It's not an easy ride but, as far as difficult rides go, this is worth taking and holding on for dear life.

Though it plateaus emotionally for much of the time, Rabbit Hole is an engaging and heartfelt drama.

Rabbit Hole makes sure to never betray the material with maudlin melodrama or cheap theatrics.