Life During Wartime

“In revisiting his darkly comic 1998 ensembler "Happiness," Todd Solondz may have made his best film with "Life During Wartime." The distinctive, boundary-pushing writer-director has had the eccentric inspiration to resurrect the same central characters a decade later, but using entirely different actors. Winning result, which reels off one riveting scene after another, stands as both a unique sort-of sequel and a film that requires no prior reference points; it's entirely satisfying either way, though even richer if you recall the antecedent. The resolutely niche filmmaker has never had a real breakout success and the confrontational nature of his latest won't change that fact, but his loyal following will be buoyed by this strong effort.” (Todd McCarthy, Variety)

“In a staring contest with his audience, Solondz never blinks. He picks and picks at the themes that consume him, and he doesn't care who stays and who leaves. Me, I'm rapt.” (Lisa Schwarzbaum, Entertainment Weekly)

“Mr. Solondz exaggerates in the direction of mockery, yes, but his lurid colors, emphatic musical effects and dead-center framing also betray a commitment to melodrama that can only be sincere.” (A.O. Scott, New York Times)