FOR Canadian writer/director/actress Sarah Polley, “eschewing mainstream Hollywood movies for chancier, non-commercial independent fare, was the result of an ethical decision on her part to make films with social importance”.

This study of a woman working out which of two men is right for her is less about social importance than examining relationships and making a choice between options.

The romantic levels are high. Enunciating the pitfalls for Margot (Michelle Williams), her husband Lou (Seth Rogen) and Daniel (Luke Kirby) across the street, Polley’s screenplay strips away most but not all the minutiae of middle-class suburban life to focus on Margot’s dilemma.

Both men love her. But after five years, Lou’s obsession with inventing chicken recipes for publication has dulled marriage’s initial bloom and erotic life has faded.

Margot finds exploring the excitement of a new lover to be confusing and risky. Daniel provides good sex when she succumbs, but there’s more to a relationship than that.

Michelle Williams is without question a splendid actress. Seth Rogen’s portrayal of Lou is a major shift away from the comic guy from Judd Apatow films. In expressing her commitment to significant themes, Polley delivers a handsome observation of suburban Toronto.

At Dendy