Palindromes

Todd Solondz latest film is Palindromes, which is a word or sentence that reads the same forwards or backwards. Ellen Barkin plays Joyce Victor, the mother of endearing 13-year-old Aviva, who wants nothing more in life than to become the ultimate palindrome, a mum. The character of Aviva is played by eight different actors. When she comes home pregnant, her parents insist on an abortion, but Aviva is so desperate to fall pregnant again, she runs away, joining a family of born-again Christians who have adopted disabled children.

Palindromes is a fable of innocence in a cynical and perverse world. Its surreal quality may polarise audiences, but Solondz is an innovator in the same sense as David Lynch and John Waters. He creates a profound sense of unease to force us into thinking outside the square. Varying the age, size, race and gender of his main protagonist makes us realize that no matter how much we change we still remain the same. It?s a unique social satire that will make you question why you're laughing so hard.