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Contains strong language and bereavement themeLike his acclaimed 2001 debut L.I.E., indie filmmaker Michael Cuesta tells a riveting story of innocence robbed in Twelve And Holding. He draws astonishing performances from a leading ensemble of prepubescents (Conor Donovan, Jesse Camacho, Zoe Weizenbaum) who are left reeling after one of their gang is killed. It doesn't sound like a barrel of laughs, but Cuesta finds wry humour in tragic situations while at the same time thickening the air with quiet foreboding.
A tree-house fire set by bullies claims the life of Jacob's twin brother (both played by Donovan) and sparks notions of murderous revenge. It's an extraordinary set-up, but Jacob's belief that this will win his mother's approval taps into common insecurities. A similarly dark cloud hangs over the fatherless Malee (Weizenbaum) who develops a dangerous crush on troubled ex-fireman Gus (Jeremy Renner). Meanwhile fat kid Leonard begins dieting obsessively after surviving the blaze.
"MAKES THE HEART POUND WITH COMPASSION"
Cuesta's tender portrayal of the children enhances a feeling of dread as they stumble into jeopardy. A scene where Malee creeps up behind Gus as he sobs naked in the shower encapsulates the visceral nature of the film, making the heart pound with fear and compassion. The precocity of the children is also very funny at times, whether it's Malee trying to seduce Gus in a slinky cocktail dress or Leonard defiantly eating an apple at the Christmas dinner table. Occasionally Leonard's thread does feel too much like easy comedy relief with some scenes jarring. Even so, the boldness and sensitivity of the film lend it a firm grip.
