Jacques Audiard

[Audiard's] hamhanded touch with the obviously symbolic plot elements results in a static accounting of polar personal themes...lacks spontaneity, authenticity, or suspense.

Malik’s boxed-in circumstances certainly press ethical questions for the viewer, but in Rahim’s psychologically acute performance, Malik is never less than understandable—more often than not, he’s disturbingly sympathetic.

Has significant blemishes that don't quite come out in the wash...but the picture persists on the strength of its committed performances.