INTO TEMPTATION

In a quiet way, the movie is saying that no matter how separate we may be from a particular way of life, it doesn't mean we can't understand it.

Every once in awhile someone will offer a simple act of kindness just at the moment we need it most. They may never give it a second thought, and they may have no idea of the impact they've made, but it will live on in our memories for years to come. Into Temptation is a moving example of the lasting power of kindness. It reminds us that even the smallest gesture can make a world of difference, and makes a strong case for being nice. People will appreciate it, whether you know it or not.

Linda Salerno (Kristin Chenoweth) is a troubled prostitute who plans to commit suicide on her birthday. Like any responsible person, she wants to make sure her affairs are in order before she leaves this world. At the top of her "to do" list is making confession at Father John Buerlein's church. After revealing her "sinful" plan, she recounts a well-examined life of abuse and pain. Her story is undoubtedly similar to many others, but the acuity with which she articulates it goes right to Father John's heart. He leaps to stop her before she leaves, but she's gone before he can catch her.

Left with only the details of her confession, a first name, and a glimpse of her cleavage, John (Jeremy Sisto) sets out to find Linda and stop her from killing herself. His quest leads him directly into the wrong part of town, into a world of pimps, prostitutes, sex shops, and various other down-and-out characters. It's not exactly where a priest wants to be seen in his off hours if he's concerned about keeping up appearances, but this is the last thing on John's mind. He's serious about finding Linda, and he's not squeamish about the process. He even has a little moment while researching prostitution with a very informative librarian. They may be the last two people you would associate with the topic, but neither is too naive or prudish to handle it. In a quiet way, the movie is saying that no matter how separate we may be from a particular way of life, it doesn't mean we can't understand it.

The film follows Linda and John on their respective journeys, with both characters working toward opposite ends. Linda moves with leaden determination through the last days of her life, tying up loose ends ("permanently") and making peace with her past. Meanwhile, John's sense of urgency grows with each passing day. How can he reach her before it's too late?

The film's ending offers no clear answers, but is profoundly satisfying nonetheless. The pieces seem to fall into place as they're meant to, not according to a typical Hollywood formula. We may never know what becomes of John or Linda, but like kind gestures these characters won't soon be forgotten.