Experienced through the eyes of a child, who calls it "the worst day", it draws comparisons to The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas which also dealt with a tough subject, the Holocaust. This film doesn't quite manage that same level of sensitivity, instead being rather heavy handed at times in its desire to make the audience feel certain things at certain times, particularly in terms of direction and musical score.
This is a shame because at the centre of the film is a very accomplished and moving performance from first-time actor Thomas Horn. Oscar is possibly somewhere on the spectrum of Autism or Aspergers and Horn captures the social awkwardness beautifully without ever overplaying it with showy ticks and quirks.
Daldry surrounds the newcomer with a host of experienced names like Bullock and Davis but only Von Sydow, Jeffrey Wright and Hanks make the most of their brief screen time to make a lasting impact.
With so many characters coming and going, several seemingly important plot points that provide the narrative thrust of the film remain frustratingly unresolved. One of which hinges on believing that Sandra Bullock wouldn't check her answering machine messages on 9/11 of all days.
Since it is essentially Oscar's journey to accepting the loss of his father, the film's focus remains on him thus preventing others the chance to find closure... something which many people are still seeking and this film is unlikely to provide it.
