TENDERNESS

John Polson (Swimfan, Hide and Seek) directs this dark adaptation of Robert Cormier’s novel with a plot similar to Primal Fear. Jon Foster stars as Eric Komenko, a charming student who violently murders his parents and girlfriend before his release as an allegedly reformed person at age 18. He subsequently meets young Lori Cranston (Sophie Traub in a standout performance). Cranston is a sexual-abuse victim and vulnerable adolescent infatuated with Komenko. They embark on a road trip and are followed by Lt. Cristofuoro (Russell Crowe), a retired police officer who is convinced Komenko will repeat his prior offence. The film begins strongly as small pieces of the puzzle fall together but falters in the latter half, before culminating in a surprising yet disappointing ending.