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Lianna is a 1983 drama film directed and written by John Sayles. The film explores themes of love, sexuality, and personal growth through the story of Lianna (Linda Griffiths), a young, married mother who falls in love with a woman named Ruth (Jane Hallaren) and begins to question her own feelings and desires. The film opens with Lianna, a housewife and art student, living with her husband Dick (Jon DeVries) and their two children in a small town in Pennsylvania. Lianna, frustrated with her life and her marriage, begins to explore her sexuality and her attraction to women after meeting Ruth, a lesbian professor at her art school.

As Lianna and Ruth's relationship deepens, Lianna is forced to confront her own desires and the societal expectations that have limited her ability to explore her sexuality. The film is a portrait of a woman coming to terms with her own identity and desires, and the struggles she faces along the way.

The film features powerful performances from its cast, particularly Linda Griffiths as Lianna. Griffiths brings a quiet intensity to her portrayal of Lianna, capturing the character's internal struggles with nuance and depth. Jane Hallaren is also excellent as Ruth, bringing a warmth and sensuality to the role that makes her relationship with Lianna feel authentic and heartfelt.

One of the most striking aspects of Lianna is its realistic portrayal of the lesbian community in the early 1980s. The film shows the struggles and prejudices that gay men and women faced during this time period, from discrimination in the workplace to social ostracism from friends and family. Sayles handles these themes with sensitivity and nuance, crafting a film that feels both timeless and specific to its era.

Despite its serious subject matter, Lianna is also a deeply human and touching film. Sayles has a real talent for creating complex, three-dimensional characters who are flawed but empathetic, and the film's emotional impact is largely due to its rich characterization and strong performances.

The film's cinematography is also noteworthy, capturing the natural beauty of its small town setting with a warmth and intimacy that makes the film feel both grounded and dreamlike. The film's use of color and light also adds to its emotional impact, creating a sense of intimacy and closeness that draws the viewer deeper into Lianna's world.

Overall, Lianna is a powerful and poignant film about love, identity, and personal growth. With its nuanced performances, insightful writing, and gorgeous cinematography, it remains a touching and thought-provoking work of cinema that resonates just as strongly today as it did over 30 years ago.

Lianna is a 1983 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 50 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9.