• WHAT? — “Atonement” (2007), a period film about a child’s misconception that turns the lives of two lovers upside down. It was adapted from the novel of the same name.
• WHO? – Cecilia Tallis, the young woman whose sudden realization of her feelings for her family friend lead to his incarceration when her sister’s imaginations goes wild and she makes outrageous claims against him. She is played by Keira Knightley.
• WHY? – Cecilia goes through emotional turmoil for several years, alientating herself from her family. The depth of her emotions and inner angst provide a deep role that Melina could really perform in. She develops from being an indifferent girl to a bitter woman who is wise beyond her years.
• PLOT? – In the summer of 1935, 13-year-old Briony Tallis observes a flirtation between a servant’s son, Robbie, and her older sister, Cecilia, that she childishly misconstrues. Briony’s misunderstanding leads to a terrible crime whose consequences follow them through World War II.