Thumbsucker

Adapted from the novel by Walter Kirn, Thumbsucker is a deeply moving rites of passage story which makes Adrian Mole's growing pains seem rather mundane.

Since he was little, 17-year-old Justin Cobb (Pucci) has sucked his thumb - it is his security blanket in times of stress. His despairing parents Mike (D'Onofrio) and Audrey (Swinton) have tried to break the habit without success, using bullying tactics and even smearing his digit in a foul-tasting substance called Suk-No-Mor.

However, the lad continues to seek solace in his fleshy digit. His younger brother Joel watches in silence with a mixture of embarrassment and despair. In desperation, Justin turns to New Age orthodontist Perry (Reeves), who uses hypnotism to cure the lad of his fixation with his thumb.

Freed of his old habits, Justin's world spins hilariously out of orbit. He is diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder and dosed up to the eyeballs with Ritalin.

Unearthing a newfound talent as an orator, Justin invests every sleepless moment in the high school debate team, coached by Mr Geary (Vaughn). He also pursues the object of his affections, Rebecca (Garner), with renewed vigour.

In his desire to "fit in", Justin blinds himself to underlying problems with his family, including his estrangement from his father, and a gnawing fear that his mother may leave him.

Mike Mills' directorial debut is a painful yet life-affirming tale of self-acceptance, in which Justin and his loved ones realise there is no such thing as "normal".

It's a beautifully crafted portrait of teen angst, littered with unforgettable scenes.

"Being the mother of a 17-year-old is a trip. You're supposed to have all the answers, but you don't have one," observes Audrey.

Sometimes, ignorance is bliss.