Critic's Choice
This delicate drama is heartbreakingly perfect in story, tone and performance. First-time director-writer Karen Moncrieff follows Meg, a sensitive 18-year-old who's torn up over her parent's breakup. In Blue Car, she misses her absent dad (the title is based on a poem Meg writes about seeing him drive off); resents her hardworking, preoccupied mom (Colin); and reaches out for support to a sympathetic teacher (Strathairn). Bruckner is a find, full of pent-up hurt and sexuality, while that redoubtable duo, Strathairn and Colin, valuably contribute multihued portrayals of adults grappling with problems of their own. (R)
BOTTOM LINE: A moving ride
