Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on February 2014

Lori Petty had a ghastly childhood. She and her two sisters grew up in the title abode, neglected (or worse) by their prostitute cokehead mom (a great Selma Blair) and were generally left to fend for themselves. Lori survived and even thrived, and, as such people sometimes do, she has written and directed a movie about it. As autobiographical musings go, it’s not bad, aside from some story arc problems. What makes this 2008 release a must-see is that it stars a pre-Winter’s Bone Jennifer Lawrence and a pre-Kick Ass Chloe Grace Moretz (plus an equally good Sophie Bairley). Nice talent-spotting. (93 min) Japanese title: Soujuku no Iowa.