Timmins and is driving to Winnipeg (he was not aware of the vast distance) to see his son's mother. Linda dislikes Maggie to the point where she initially refuses her help. But after Alex leaves to continue his journey to Winnipeg, she allows Maggie to come into her home to take out her garbage. Cast Alan Rickman as Alex Sigourney Weaver as Linda Carrie-Anne Moss as Maggie Emily Hampshire as Vivienne James Allodi as Clyde Callum Keith Rennie as John Neil, driver of the killer truck David Fox as Dirk, Linda's father Jayne Eastwood as Ellen, Linda's mother Julie Stewart as Florence, an overhelpful (“bossy”) townsperson Selina Cadell as Diane Wooton, a divorced townsperson Production The screenwriter, Angela Pell, wrote the role of Alex Hughes with Rickman in mind. It was also Rickman who read the script and made sure Weaver (fellow Galaxy Quest co-star) was contacted about the role of Linda Freeman. Both Rickman and Weaver were runners-up at the Seattle International Film Festival for the respective prizes of Best Actor and Best Actress. During the course of making the movie, Weaver researched the subject of autism and was coached by Ros Blackburn, a woman with the condition who is also an author and speaker about autism and Asperger's syndrome. Alan Rickman chose not to research the subject of autism in order to make his character have an impact/shock when facing Linda. Release The film was screened and discussed at Autism Cymru 2nd international conference in May 2006 as well as the Edinburgh International Film Festival, Tribeca Film Festival, Toronto International Film Festival, Seattle International Film Festival, among others. It was also the opening night screening for the Berlin Film Festival. Reception On review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds an approval rating of 65% based on 63 reviews, with an average rating of 6.09/10. The website's critics consensus reads: "Sigourney Weaver gracefully undertakes a difficult role, while the rest of the cast lifts the histrionic plot into something worthwhile." Awards & nominations The film was nominated in four categories at the 27th Genie Awards in 2007: Best Actress: Sigourney Weaver Best Supporting Actress: Emily Hampshire Best Supporting Actress: Carrie-Anne Moss (Won) Cinematography: Steve Cosens References External links 2006 films English-language Canadian films 2006 independent films 2006 romantic comedy-drama films British romantic comedy-drama films Canadian romantic comedy-drama films British independent films Canadian independent films Films about autism Films directed