Sammy is divorced mother of an eight year old trying to make her way through a lonely boring constrained life. Bob is her screwed-up brother who is almost a complete failure. But when Bob comes over the Sammy's little town to spend some time with her, things begin to change a little for Sammy and her son.

Laura Linney is incredibly believable as a woman who wants to be good but just can't keep herself out of trouble. She wants to be religious but it does not really work for her.

Jon Tenney is Bob. A typical young man with little faith or respect in anything, trying to make his way through a difficult life without promises.

Mr. Lonergan's first movie is indeed very enjoyable. He builds real characters with real problems and is brutally honest about their shortcomings. He almost deliberately keeps the movie away from any specific genre. He spices it up at times to make it look like a small town story about corupt people but by keeping the cliche of gossiping old women out, he elevates it to new level. He himself starts as a priest who tries to practice religion by accommodating the morally comprosied reality of the modern youth.

This is an excellent movie for its type and scope. It is funny, poignant and overall pleasent. You can surely count on it.