Everybody Knows: Asghar Farhadi is less interested in the plot, the mechanics of the kidnapping and ensuing investigation, and more in the characters, the dynamic relationships before, during and after that event, and the moral complexities of it all. It helps that it’s such a large, interesting group of characters, with deep-seated history informing every action taken. It is natural the focus falls on the heavy-hitting trio at the film’s center, but the whole cast is excellent. Penélope Cruz and Javier Bardem, due to the story, are given a broader range to play, and they do it quite well, from the early bliss to the growing pain and despair; Ricardo Darín’s character is more apathetic, but his performance is anything but. There are too many other names to mention, but it bears repeating: this is an acting ensemble working at a great level. The film looks good, and moves at a nice pace, taking its time to properly introduce the characters and locale before moving on with the plot.