...though Solomon seems to assert that his films fundamentally consist of the physical images themselves, and not what those images might represent, he doesn’t abandon representational imagery completely...

The result is an instant classic -- rich, dense, resonant, powerful.

While drawing superb performances from her young leads, Holland has masterfully contrasted the garden -- a place where melodic robins seem almost conversant -- with the dread of Misselthwaite.

Roger Deakins’ photography captures the beauty and the awe of the house and the garden, making for a truly immersive viewing experience.