Take Shelter

Bottom Line: Artsy and well-acted, this gripping story is about mental illness…or is it?

The Gist: Curtis (Michael Shannon), a blue collar worker, lives happily with his wife (Jessica Chastain) and their deaf daughter. That is, until his vivid apocyalaptic dreams start causing him trouble in his waking life. There’s a storm coming and he needs to prepare his storm shelter, both metaphorically and literally. How does a loving wife support a man who, to all around him, is falling into mental illness? (Or is he?)

The Verdict: If you like artsy indie movies, this is a good one. Shannon and Chastain are fantastic. The problem of loving and supporting someone through mental illness (or is it?)

Be Aware: Rated R for some language, but it’s not too bad. No sexuality or nudity. Tense but not graphic scary images. Fine for teens.