Tenderness

A naive teenager named L.A. is released from juvenile detention and immediately falls for a troubled young woman named Sophie, who he suspects is involved in a recent murder. Meanwhile, a detective is investigating the same crime and becomes increasingly suspicious of L.A.'s behavior. As L.A. and Sophie's relationship deepens, they become entangled in a dangerous spiral of deception and obsession, blurring the lines between innocence and guilt.

Tenderness received mixed reviews from critics. While some praised the performances of the lead actors and the film's atmospheric tension, others found the plot convoluted and the characters underdeveloped. The film struggled to find a wide audience upon its release.

• The film boasts strong performances from its young leads, Jon Foster and Lou Taylor Pucci.
• Some critics found the narrative somewhat predictable and lacking in genuine suspense.
• The dark and moody atmosphere is effectively established but doesn't always compensate for plot weaknesses.

Google audience: Audience reviews indicate a divided reception, with many appreciating the acting but finding the story's direction and pacing to be less compelling. Some viewers felt the film's attempt at a dark, psychological thriller didn't fully come to fruition.

The film was screened at the Tribeca Film Festival in 2009 before its wider release.