Drool 2010

Anora, portrayed by Laura Harrington, is a visually appealing housewife stuck in a mundane and dismal existence. Living a life of financial struggles, she has to navigate the complexities of raising two sullen children while enduring the hostility of her racist and abusive husband, Cheb, played by Oded Fehr. To escape this dreary reality, Anora often retreats into her mind, fantasizing about a more glamorous life where a debonair version of Cheb visits her—someone who embodies romance and charm, in stark contrast to her current reality.

The narrative grows richer with the introduction of Imogene, an African-American cosmetics salesperson and new neighbor, brought to life by Jill Marie Jones. Imogene’s attempts to befriend Anora create tension, as Anora grapples with her husband’s bigoted views and volatile temperament. Imogene represents a glimmer of hope, a chance for friendship that Anora knows is jeopardized by her domestic situation.

Meanwhile, the story also unfolds through the lens of Anora’s angst-ridden daughter, Tabby, played by Ashley Duggan Smith. At just 15 years old, Tabby expresses her tumultuous feelings through doodles on notepaper. One striking quote from her narrative captures her youthful frustration: > “Belting your best friend for sucking off your boyfriend, really makes you feel like a f ‘in Rock Star!”

The family dynamic is further complicated by Tabby’s brother, Little Pete, expertly portrayed by Christopher Newhouse. Little Pete exhibits signs of having homosexual tendencies and finds solace in a tacky doll he affectionately names Misty, which he carries around, adding yet another layer to the family’s complexities.

As the plot thickens, the situation escalates dramatically when Cheb discovers Anora and Imogene in an intimate moment—leading to a chilling confrontation where Anora, driven to her breaking point, shoots Cheb. This shocking turn of events propels the film into a whirlwind of dark humor and unexpected twists, demonstrating the lengths to which one might go to escape a life filled with abuse and despair.