Ben Affleck demonstrates that his future may lie behind the camera while his brother Casey continues to be an on-screen star in this solid adaptation of Dennis Lehane's moody novel. As with Mystic River, a missing child lies at the dark heart of a haunting, melancholic tale in which crime is commonplace and innocence and guilt are intertwined. Alleged echoes of the Madeleine McCann case delayed the film's UK release in a rare instance of marketing tact but similarities are scarce. Sadly, a ridiculous melodramatic ending undermines the serious tone, a problem unsolved by the extended finale included among the extras.