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Bottled Up is a dramatic film from 2013 that tells the story of a mother, Fay (Melissa Leo), and her daughter, Sylvie (Marin Ireland), who live in a small town in upstate New York. Fay has recently lost her husband and is struggling to make ends meet, while Sylvie works long hours at a local animal clinic. The film begins with Fay introducing a new product to the market, a medicinal herb that she claims can cure almost any ailment. Fay's neighbor, Becket (Josh Hamilton), is a pharmacist who becomes fascinated by the herbs and starts to stock them in his store. As Fay's sales begin to surge, so does her popularity within the community.

Despite her initial skepticism, Sylvie eventually becomes convinced of the efficacy of her mother's herbs and starts to work alongside her in the herb-growing business. However, as the business takes off, Fay's protective instincts start to kick in, and she becomes increasingly controlling and obsessive over her daughter and the herbs.

As the story unfolds, the audience is taken on a journey that explores themes of love, loss, family, and morality. Through the characters' interwoven relationships, the film examines the consequences of keeping secrets and the toll that grief can take on a person.

Melissa Leo shines in her portrayal of control-freak Fay, whose grief has driven her to a point of no return. Leo's raw and nuanced performance captures the essence of a woman who is desperately clinging to the last shreds of control she has over her life. Leo's chemistry with Marin Ireland's Sylvie is palpable, portraying the complicated dynamics of a mother-daughter relationship that is both tumultuous and loving.

Marin Ireland also delivers an emotionally charged performance as the compassionate and nurturing Sylvie, who is forced to confront the reality of her mother's condition. Ireland delicately portrays the character's struggle with the burden of caregiving, while also showcasing her undeniable strength and resilience.

Josh Hamilton's Becket provides a refreshing lightness to an otherwise heavy film, injecting subtle humor and levity into some of the darker moments. The character acts as a foil to Fay's control, representing a much-needed breath of fresh air in her life.

Bottled Up tackles complex issues with sensitivity and grace. The film invites the audience to consider the impact of loss and how we choose to cope with it. Moreover, it explores the desperation that can arise when seeking validation or control in the face of loss.

In terms of filmmaking, Bottled Up boasts a beautifully composed score, punctuating poignant moments without detracting from the characters' performances. The cinematography is understated, yet effective, capturing the bleakness of the town and the characters' confined existence within it.

Overall, Bottled Up is a thought-provoking and poignant film, with exceptional performances from its lead cast. It is a compelling story that will stay with audiences long after the credits roll.

Bottled Up is a 2014 drama. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.7 and a MetaScore of 43.