What a difference a good ending makes. And pity it's not here. Gaylene Preston's accomplished first feature develops as a stylish and genre-bending story, full of confidence and control, but takes too many risks and ends up being scuppered on the rocks.

Once the suggestive and mysterious mood of the film begins to dissipate the problems start as the mood of the film chops one way and then the other. Without giving too much away, the ending is plain silly.

In spite of this flaw, this still makes a worthwhile sitting. Two great lead acts carry the film most, but not all, of the way. The atmospheric score and cinematography, especially of luscious New Zealand landscape and stormy seas, adds greatly to one's appreciation.

It's probably best seen with little prior knowledge of the story, but here's a basic outline: Melanie (Rachel Blake on stellar form), a single, dissatisfied thirtysomething who works in a chip shop in a New Zealand coastal town. One night, at the end of a boozy night with the girls, she goes back with a man (a suave but indecipherable Sam Neill) to his boat and wakes up at sea. Clearly, this is no ordinary date, but what is not clear is whether his motives are honourable or sinister.

That's all I'll say. To say more would be to spoil your enjoyment.