Release Date:
Friday, October 11, 2002
If you thought Punky Brewster had a dysfunctional life, meet 15-year-old Astrid. Playing Russian roulette with social services, this innocent kid has to endure an attempt on her life, a savage beating by a group of obese teenagers, and sexual advances from a scary-looking Goth kid.
Raised single-handedly by her mother (Michelle Pfeiffer), Astrid (Alison Lohman) is brought up to be strong, independent, and wary of the opposite sex. But that doesnt stop her mother from pursuing a tempestuous relationship with a man and eventually killing him. She is convicted and sentenced to life in jail, leaving the scared teenager alone and at the mercy of social services. So begins Astrids long, lonely, and dangerous ride on the orphan roundabout. Bound to her mother in jail and desiring to gain independence, the young rebel soon learns to fend for herself and strives to break free from the harsh world into which she is thrust. Spending most of her time walking on eggshells, Astrid realizes that happiness lies in her own hands and not in the various Bible-preaching, idyllic, or downtrodden environments she encounters. A harrowing examination and portrayal of vulnerable females, this mother-daughter, pass-the-Kleenex bonding affair will evoke some interest and pitybut will more likely inspire a strong desire to run home and hug mommy.
Raised single-handedly by her mother (Michelle Pfeiffer), Astrid (Alison Lohman) is brought up to be strong, independent, and wary of the opposite sex. But that doesnt stop her mother from pursuing a tempestuous relationship with a man and eventually killing him. She is convicted and sentenced to life in jail, leaving the scared teenager alone and at the mercy of social services. So begins Astrids long, lonely, and dangerous ride on the orphan roundabout. Bound to her mother in jail and desiring to gain independence, the young rebel soon learns to fend for herself and strives to break free from the harsh world into which she is thrust. Spending most of her time walking on eggshells, Astrid realizes that happiness lies in her own hands and not in the various Bible-preaching, idyllic, or downtrodden environments she encounters. A harrowing examination and portrayal of vulnerable females, this mother-daughter, pass-the-Kleenex bonding affair will evoke some interest and pitybut will more likely inspire a strong desire to run home and hug mommy.