Miss Julie (2014)

"We are all forced to face ourselves as less than we'd hoped to be."

Liv Ullman gives August Strindberg's most famous play respectful but not especially cinematic treatment. Miss Julie (2014) serves best as an acting showcase for its cast, especially Jessica Chastain, who relishes the chance to play a classic role.

Ullman (who directed and wrote the script) relocates Strindberg's tale from 1890s Sweden to Ireland. Julie (Jessica Chastain), daughter of an Anglo-Irish count, carries on an awkward flirtation with her valet John (Colin Farrell). John initially ...