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

Cherish is a little-known film from 2002, starring Robin Tunney.  But don't let the facts that it's several years old, and that practically no one's heard of it scare you away.  It's a quirky, charming, delightful movie that made me an instant fan of Tunney's. 

Tunney plays Zoe, a bit of a mis-fit.  Nerdy, nervous, doesn't really fit in anywhere, or with anybody.  One look at her wild outfits and frizzy hair and you'd know she's a little "different".  Her best friend seems to be her headphones, through which she loses herself in the music of the 70's and 80's.   But Zoe is not stupid.  In fact, she's quite aware of her short-comings and works to overcome them, but with little success to date.

Her life spins completely out of control one night after a party, and a few too many drinks.  She's abducted and forced to drive her car, despite being drunk.  Sadly, this results in the death of a policeman.  The abductor runs free, and Zoe is left taking the heat for the policeman's death.  No one believes her story about being abducted and it looks like she's going down.  Luckily, she's inserted into a "bracelet" system whereby she'll live under house arrest, while she awaits her trial.  House arrest means, basically, she's stuck in a second-story loft, unable to move more than 57 feet from the monitoring device. 

Most of the movie is spent watching Zoe cope with this situation.  She hangs out in the window, making contact with the kids on the street below.  She strikes up a friendship with the disabled man living downstairs.  And a special relationship develops between Zoe and the officer who comes weekly to check on her bracelet (Tim Blake Nelson). 

But mostly, what she does, is grow up.  In fact, it's a beautiful transformation from scared, insecure girl to a confident woman.  And this transformation is why I'm now a Tunney fan.  Everything about Zoe's character changed over the course of the movie.  Her looks went from nerdy to beautiful.  Her self esteem went from zero to sky-high.  And it is this new confidence that allows her to take control of her situation, rather than letting life run her over.  

I enjoyed this movie for so many reasons, not just Tunney's incredible performance.  Nelson more than holds his own, in the performance of a by-the-law man facing some decisions as his fondness for Zoe increases.  Then there's the music.  Lots of songs from "my time", this movie was fun to listen to.  Visually, it's a treat as well.  "Fantasy" plays a role in this movie, from several angles, and we get to enjoy bright, colorful visuals through the minds of various characters.  There's some humor, and a little bit of suspense.  But mostly it's just a very pleasant movie about a woman learning to be comfortable in her own skin. 

Just be aware: those looking for a taut, exciting thriller are not going to find it here.  Despite its billing as a "thriller" this movie is about so much more.

Keeping that thought in mind, with incredible performances and an awesome soundtrack, I highly recommend this movie. 

Recommended: Yes