Child loss is one of the hardest subjects to deal with and can often seem touchy if dealt with incorrectly. Many films have dealt with it in many ways whether it be "Rabbit Hole," which tells the story of a mother and father dealing with the death of their son, or "Prisoners," which tells the story of two children who are kidnapped and a father's pursuit to find them. With "Meadowland," Reed Morano blends these two films and makes for a captivating and grueling experience with an incredible performance authored by Olivia Wilde.

"Meadowland" tells the story of Sarah (Wilde) and Phil (Luke Wilson) who must deal with their son missing for a year. While Phil starts to lose sight of his morals, he continues to look for his son. Meanwhile, Sarah goes into a disastrous journey, which brings her deeper into a dream that will never come true.

What's powerful about the film is the way these two cope with their loss. Phil seems to be the most grounded as he continues the search with detectives and continues to work. He also goes to group therapy where he listens to other people's stories. He wants to come to terms with the reality of the situation. However, like Sarah, he is distressed as he goes out every night to the gas station where his son went missing. He also seeks comfort in many ways and at one point he almost gives into his carnal desires. When Phil goes over to an apartment to warn the tenants for disorderly conduct, Mackenzie (Juno Temple), the owner, tries to seduce him. It is among the tensest scenes in the film and one that definitely shows his need for more. However, he remains restrained trying to be a support for Sarah.

Sarah on the other hand increasingly derails, unwilling to accept the reality. At the beginning of the film it seems like she is coping somewhat and it is seen through her conduct in school. Sarah is a school teacher and at the beginning she clearly teaches her students with order. However, as the film progresses, she begins to leave class early, miss class and at one point even listen to music in front of her students. She quickly starts losing control of herself as she begins doing drugs and having sex with one of her student's parents. One of the most difficult scenes however, is when she begins to cut herself. Morano keeps the audience from seeing the painful action but instead focuses on Wilde's expressive face which only allows the audience to imagine the pain of her action. In many ways, this is more painful to endure.

The film's story is nonlinear and it does not follow a specific narrative. However, it follows these characters with such detail and nuance generating momentum in the filmmaking and storytelling. In part this due to Wilde's incredible performance. Wilde digs deep into her character and while most of the film she is clearly distressed, her attention to detail allows the audience see her evolution. At the beginning of the film there is still an attempt to be kempt and well dressed. However, as the film progresses, Wilde's eyes becoming increasing baggy and she uses less make up. Her physical reaction becomes more drastic and unpredictable. At one moment she could be crying and the next she could be hugging her husband.

Wilson is also solid in the film as he turns in a career high and demonstrates his dramatic gravitas in each scene. In one scene where he gives Pete, a group member, the address to the man who killed his daughter, Wilson showcases a will for revenge. However, there is also a great sense of remorse through his face. It is one of the most powerful moments in the film which resonates.

John Leguizamo is also excellent as Pete, while Giovanni Ribisi brings a sense of danger to the characters. Elizabeth Moss has one brief scene while Juno temple makes the best out of her role as Mackenzie.

Morano's camera work is one of a kind as she keeps the movement very natural and free flowing. She keeps the camera with the character making sure to catch each facial expression as well as the physical movements. One of the most interesting visual components is how Morano juxtaposes the beautiful skies of the city with the more gritty streets and handheld camera movements throughout the film.

"Meadowland" is a tour de force film that is a difficult watch but rewarding by the end.