Spanish actress/director Iciar Bollain's third film, a sensitively handled love story and shocking tale of domestic abuse, has been warmly received in her home country, where the film has won no less than seven Goya awards, as well as Best Actor and Actress at the 2004 San Sebastian Film Festival.

Shot in the pleasing surroundings of Toledo, Bollain introduces us to Pilar (Laia Marull), a woman in her mid twenties, packing rapidly and rushing out of the house with her son. We learn she's been battered by her husband, has hit breaking point and is heading for her sister's, where she will decide what to do next.

Her sister is impressed that she's made a clean break and her husband Antonio (Luis Tosar) goes into therapy, vowing to change. Pilar's horror at being physically abused by him will moderate in time. Can she help his rehabilitation and become a better person? Can they start again?

The film admirably preserves a palpable sense of tension throughout. Shot in a coolly non-sensational tone, with occasional moments of humour and thoroughly gripping performances from Tosar and Marull, this is one of those films where you're waiting on the edge of your seat to see what happens next.

It captures Pilar's mental scars, the memories, the nervous apprehension. She wants a modest career and to live in a loving relationship with a husband who trusts and loves her. The question is, can he find a way to change?

Take My Eyes is a compelling film, well handled and fully deserving of the awards it has won. It is not as harrowing as it might seem. Most likely you'll be bold over by the great acting and very palpable desire of both husband and wife for a new beginning and a better life.