Domestic Violence

Wiseman takes a typically lengthy, penetrating look at wife-battering and related matters, focusing on the work and inmates of The Spring, a shelter in Tampa, Florida. As ever, we get a sense of what the institution is trying to do and how, as well as a vivid portrait of the fear, courage, confusion, revenge, rage and complicity of individuals (victims, staff, cops and culprits). The final sequence, of two cops trying to calm down a couple seemingly bent on self/mutual destruction, is extraordinary, and the perfect summation to a fine film.