Both main characters are really well written and gripping to watch. All the performances are great. The main characters have great dark and light sides. Perfect for the balance of the story as well as just being good characters. The interaction is believable and real but also distinct and exaggerated enough to not be bland or uninteresting. Great balance. The events and pace they unfold also help keep the tension and story interesting.
The story revolves around battle axe Barbara who seems to have a great social awareness and cunning (like an outsider looking in, with the mindset that isolation brings.) Sheba is a seemingly nice person but her own worst enemy as she feels empty or lonely. This emptiness leads to a selfish and very believable act. Why did she do it? Did she take a wrong path (full of regrets) in life and is looking for a way out or is she just looking for stimulus from boredom? The friendship between Barbara and Sheba is put to the test. What's Barbara's motivation for being so close?
When I knew Patrick Marber was involved in this I had high hopes and I wasn't dissapointed.
Solid movie. Good show of manipulation.