Twelve Thirty

Year: 2010
Country: USA
Run Time: 121 minutes

TWELVE THIRTY is an intimate narrative that examines not only how we communicate, but also what we hide about ourselves when doing so. It tells the story of Jeff, a 22-year-old virgin who becomes precariously involved with a family of complicated and emotionally broken women. It begins with the candid and inquisitive Mel, the 19-year-old subject of Jeff's infatuation who deflowers him, then moves on to the next thing that will make her happy. Next is Maura, Mel's 22-year-old introverted virginal sister who questions whether or not the night she spent with Jeff was rape. Lastly, there's Vivien, the intense, pragmatic mother of both girls whose sexual encounter with Jeff encompasses the convoluted nature of this film. The most disturbing scene, however, involves the girls' bisexual father, Martin, who has left home but still ensues an erotic relationship with their mother. Martin sits his family down, along with Jeff, in order to discuss the physical punishment Maura must receive as a result of her night with him. Whether the punishment is truly Maura's or Jeff's proves to demonstrate the psychological state of this family. With a screenplay full of honest and sharp dialogue, TWELVE THIRTY reveals the disarray of human nature as it explores the connections we share with the people in our lives. – M.M.

• Tweet