Rails and Ties

Aroview: Finely tuned character-driven drama from first-time director Alison Eastwood (Clint Eastwood's daughter) focused on a man who learns how to deal with his wife's illness after adopting an orphaned boy.

Curiously cocooned in an old-time atmosphere, this simply-told weepie takes a few scarcely believable detours from its traditional circuit of tragic tears and redemption, but is saved from emotional overload by the assured performances of a strong cast and some recognisably genetic, understated direction.