An Assault Survivor’s Healing Journey

A promising young woman struggles in the aftermath of a terrifying sexual assault. Rare Objects, adapted from the novel by Kathleen Tessaro, shows the long and difficult process rape survivors face to reclaim any semblance of normalcy. Her journey, shrouded in shame, secrecy, and helplessness; finds unexpected outlets for healing and solace.

Katie Holmes continues to grow as a filmmaker and actress in a gently moving narrative. She strikes a heartfelt tone without succumbing to crushing despair. However, Rare Objects does suffer from pacing issues. It runs much longer than needed but gets a reprieve by honestly tackling serious themes.

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Benita Parla (Julia Mayorga) checks out of a mental hospital. She returns to her mother’s house in Queens, New York. Aymee (Saundra Santiago) doesn’t understand why her beloved daughter dropped out of college and ceased contact. Benita hasn’t told anyone her tragic secret. Flashbacks throughout the film chronicles how flirting at a bar with a seemingly nice guy leads to a violent encounter.

Benita roams the city with a folder of resumes. She’s broke and fallen behind on her student loans. Panic sets in as she can’t find work. A childhood friend (Olivia Gilliat) has a clever solution. Benita sneaks a peek at the job board of a ritzy club. She applies for a sales position at the famed W+K Antiquities. Peter (Alan Cumming) likes her poise and eagerness to learn.

Diana’s World of Splendor

IFC Films

The beautiful gallery helps Benita out of her shell. She’s stunned when Peter’s most valued clients turn out to be siblings Diana (Holmes) and James Van der Laar (David Alexander Flinn), scions of a wealthy artist. Diana spends lavishly with a wink. She pretends not to know Benita. They were institutionalized together. As Benita’s swept up in Diana’s world of splendor, their growing connection reveals past trauma and psychological affliction.

Benita hides her pain behind a wall of self-loathing. A scene where her mother preaches toughness deepens the searing hurt. She feels worthless for being a victim. The attack haunts every moment. Her time with Peter provides release from anguish and debilitating depression. She thrives in a stable environment that nurtures creativity. Diana provides a sympathetic ear and shoulder but also represents an inability to cope. Her spiraling alcoholism, drug abuse, and erratic behavior juxtaposes Benita’s recovery.

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The protagonists are relatable in their plight. Benita and Diana come from different social classes but find each other in darkness. They build a safe space where ugly truths can come to light. Benita unburdens her soul to a kindred spirit without fear of judgment. It is a critical to step in moving forward. Giving voice to agony isn’t easy. I applaud the film for handling this aspect of healing with respect and nuance.

Emotional Notes Resonate

Rare Objects gets too granular in some aspects. We didn’t need excessive subplots about immigration, sick relatives, and a third act appearance from Derek Luke as Peter’s business partner. Holmes deserves credit for remarkable triple duty as director, co-writer, and co-star. She doesn’t get everything right but hits emotional notes that resonate.

Rare Objects addresses sexual assault, mental health, and suicide. Help is available 24 hours a day at the National Suicide Prevention Hotline. Please call (800) 273-8255 if you’re feeling hopeless and alone.

Rare Objects is a production of Lafayette Pictures, Yale Productions, IFC Films, and SSS Entertainment. It will have a theatrical release on April 14th from IFC Films.

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