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THE THEMES of role-playing and identity transference are treated imaginatively in this low-key psychological drama. The story hinges on the disappearance of an 18-year-old student, Joy, whose bag and canary-yellow jacket are found in a wood. The police recruit another student, Helen (Annie Townsend), who closely resembles Joy, to participate in a televised reconstruction of her last known movements.
Any expectations of a conventional thriller are confounded as the movie shifts its attention towards Helen, who works part-time as a hotel chambermaid. An introvert, Helen has had a troubled past, having been in care homes since she was a baby. She is approaching her 18th birthday, when she will become responsible for herself and may access records regarding her biological parents.
