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© St. Petersburg Times, published November 7, 2002
The downward spiral of a young poet
Blue Car (unrated; probably R) (87 min.) Coming-of-age stories don't come more downbeat than this intelligently acted, emotionally gripping, well-written drama, centered on an intense and ultimately surprising relationship between a gifted young poet and her supportive English teacher. It's a downer, yes, but ultimately rewarding.
Blue Car, the directorial debut of former television and film actor Karen Moncrieff, follows what feels like an endless downward spiral in the life of high-school senior Meg (Agnes Bruckner). She suffers from the heartbreaking after-effects of a bitter divorce: Dad, the little-seen owner of the titular vehicle, is neglectful of the teenager and her disturbed little sister Lily (Regan Arnold). Mom (Margaret Colin), new life and all, is similarly unable, or unwilling, to focus attention on her kids. There's more trouble to come, including a wrenching family tragedy, and an empty, shattering sexual encounter.
Mr. Auster (David Strathairn), a teacher, initially represents a bright light in her otherwise dark world: He recognizes Agnes' writing talent, coaches her after school, encourages her to enter a national poetry contest, and, eventually, provides a sympathetic ear.
He's also something of an enigma, a frustrated writer with a reportedly first-rate novel that he hasn't been able to sell, a beleaguered husband with an alcoholic, embarrassing wife.
Blue Car on occasion threatens to degenerate into soapy melodrama. But Moncrieff always manages to direct attention away from the crises and back to the interior life of Meg. It's a poignant coming-of-age story, with a protagonist who doesn't emerge unscathed; her sharpened instincts for survival nevertheless will serve her well. B+