Plot Details: This opinion reveals major details about the movie's plot.

It's "inspired by a true story".  In other words the ridiculous, horrific, unbelievable crime depicted in this movie actually took place.  While the characters have been re-drawn, and the ending completely changed, the bottom line is that it happened, making this film a true horror in my book.

I'm talking about Stuart Gordon's Stuck, about a nasty hit-and-run accident that leads to one bad decision followed by another.  Brandi (Mena Suvari) is the driver.  She works hard at her job as a nurse, and is eagerly anticipating a big promotion.  But she's young, and naïve, spending her Friday night drinking, partying, then, unfortunately, driving home.  The victim is Thomas Bardo (Stephen Rea), a down-on-his luck unemployed man.  He's faced one crisis after another, lately, leaving him alone, homeless, and distracted, as he crosses the street. 

The car slams into Bardo, and he becomes lodged in the windshield.  Still alive, but badly injured, he's in need of some help.  But Brandi's worried about what this will mean for her.  As she was "under the influence" when she was driving, she can't face getting into trouble, not to mention jeopardizing her upcoming promotion.  So, she drives home, locks the car in the garage, and waits for Bardo to die.  But Bardo's not about to give up his last breath so easily.

The rest of the movie takes place over the next 24 hours.  Brandi tries to keep her secret from getting out, while appearing to go about a normal day.  And she'll get her boyfriend involved as he tries to help her.  Bardo takes every chance he can, to try to free himself, and get some help.  Along the way we'll see some rather graphic details, like a windshield wiper embedded deep into Bardo's abdomen.  There will also be lots of shots of very deep cuts, and bones sticking out of places where they really should be tucked in.

And we'll wonder whether Brandi will ever do the right thing, or if she'll really allow a man to die under her watch.  The suspense is palpable, especially as Bardo will frequently come real close to getting some help, before something goes wrong and he's left, again, to fend for himself.

I enjoyed the suspense, and waiting to find out how it will all work out.  I liked watching Brandi squirm as one close call after another nearly gets her in trouble.  And I loved Bardo's determination to set himself free.

What I didn't like was the constant feeling that people don't really behave like this in real life.  Even knowing that this crime really did take place, it was hard for me to fathom most of what took place.  The writers tried very hard to paint Brandi into such a desperate corner that we can understand why she didn't report the accident, or try to help Bardo.  But I just never bought it.  I never got to the point where I understood her actions, or sympathized with her position.  There were simply too many ways that she really could have done something to help Bardo, even if she didn't completely tell the truth. 

There was also a scene with some neighbors who could have gotten involved, but opted to mind their own business.  Reasons were given, but none that made me tuly understand them.  They could have anonymously gotten the man some help.  I really hope that part of the story was fiction!

The movie also got a bit preachy in the opening act.  We see some deplorable conditions in the nursing home where Brandi works.  One scene, in particular, was completely unnecessary, but clearly tossed in just to add a bit to the cringe factor.  For Bardo's part, he's caught up in a bureaucratic nightmare.  He has to deal with an uncaring clerk in the unemployment office.  Then he's kicked out of a park for the evening by an uncaring policeman.  These scenes contributed to the film's slow start, and don't add a whole lot to the story. 

This movie works, as a crime/thriller story with quite a bit of dark comedy tossed in for good measure.  With terrific performances from both leads, it was never boring.  But it didn't need the opening scenes - it could have started with the accident, and worked just as well. 

It's not for everyone, that's for sure.  With plenty of gore, extreme violence, and one unnecessary sex scene, lots of people would do well to skip it.  But as a dark comedy/thriller, I enjoyed it.

Recommended: Yes

Suitability For Children: Not suitable for Children of any age