Based on the novel of the same name, the film Little Children reminds us that the American suburb, despite the window dressing of affluent contentment, harbors as much suspicion, fear, deceit, and desperation as any urban core. The story centers on Sarah and Brad, two residents of this quiet burg who are both deeply unhappy with the paths their lives have taken. Sarah is an overeducated stay-at-home mom who secretly resents both her young daughter and her distant husband (who has recently discovered a penchant for internet porn). Brad is a stay-at-home dad married to a gorgeous wife who regards him with barely-concealed condescension. As you might expect, the two meet and begin an affair that is both an act of lust as well as one of covert defiance against their circumstances.
The entire cast is good, but Kate Winslet is especially fine in her portrayal of a character who is not particularly likable, yet offers hints that she could be much more appealing if her life had proceeded differently. The film also contains one or two disturbing scenes that effectively undercut our estimations of the characters. And see if you can identify the voice of the omniscient narrator. It was familiar enough to distract me every time I heard it.
Oh, do tell who the narrator was! I recall the same feeling of distraction being unable to place the voice. I did not think the Kate Winslet character was as unlikable as some though I suppose it’s because I identified with her predicament.