This enigmatically constructed (or edited?) non-comedy about a damaged family of entertainers is poised for Oscar-nom Brenda Blethyn's tour de force. Yet for all her talents, the film's confused and scattershot approach takes away from the power of the acting.

Blethyn's Jean, an alcoholic, smothering-mother comedienne reluctant to admit she's past her prime, is most sympathetic here – as opposed to being easily dismissible for her squirm-inducing parent conduct – when positioned against rival Jill, her son's new girlfriend (played by amazing newcomer Emma Booth). Though Jean is most definitely Not Handling It, Blethyn ekes great sensitivity from the difficult spot of a woman of a certain age trying to find a remaining place in both her personal and career worlds.

A frustratingly literal soundtrack weighs down the plotline, which only flickers in and out of direction here. The difficult (and, sure, heartwarming) nature of family ties are poignantly wrought – no one character or relationship is wholly unsympathetic or easy – but something about the way we're being guided into forced smiles here makes enjoying the Dwights seem a little too shallow. The creepy ending and the retarded-guy-dancing scene do not help matters.