Drama
United States of America
Crime + Punishment in Suburbia is a 2000 American drama film directed by Rob Schmidt. The film explores the theme of existentialism and morality, and is loosely based on Dostoyevsky's classic novel "Crime and Punishment". The film focuses on the character of Roseanne, a young girl who is caught in a hostile home environment due to her mother's infidelity and her abusive stepfather's violence.
Roseanne is also the object of Vincent's infatuation, who is portrayed as an outsider desperately seeking acceptance and love. As the story progresses, tension between Roseanne's family members escalates, leading to a brutal act of violence. The film then delves into the aftermath of the act and the ways in which each character grapples with guilt and redemption.
Maggie, Roseanne's mother, seeks revenge against her abusive husband with the help of her boyfriend, Jimmy. Vincent, a classmate of Roseanne's, is also drawn into the web of violence and revenge. The film explores how each character confronts their own sense of morality and justice in the face of their actions.
The film stars Monica Keena as Roseanne, Ellen Barkin as Maggie, Michael Ironside as Fred, and Vincent Kartheiser as Vincent. It received mixed reviews from critics upon its release, with some praising its exploration of existential themes, while others criticized its heavy-handed approach to storytelling.
