Cold Heaven

Roeg's adaptation of Brian Moore's novel fuses deeply felt emotions and religious ideas into a gripping metaphysical thriller that is both moving and intellectually challenging. On holiday in South America, Russell tries to tell her husband (Harmon) about her infidelity with Russo; but before she can do so, he is hit by a boat while swimming and declared dead. When Harmon's body subsequently disappears, avowed atheist Russell is plunged into a maelstrom of guilt, self-doubt and confusion. Sadly, for all its technical brilliance and narrative assurance, the film's climactic scenes require an act of faith that no film-maker - Christian, agnostic or atheist - has any right to ask.