On the surface, there are happy memories of growing up in the Flynn family. Everyone in the town knows about the marvelous double chocolate bonanza brownies that were a family specialty. Now, the father has died, and the two wayward siblings, Kira and Lucas, have reunited with their mother Sheila to attend the their father's funeral. But the dark family secrets will slowly bubble to the surface and engulf the characters in a wild roller coaster ride of emotion.
In this explosive melodrama, the focal point of the family dysfunction is with the history of Kira Flynn. The film's Title of "The Price for Silence" is the price that more than any other character has been paid by Kira. But what actually is her secret that has made her so distraught that she battles alcohol and depression?
The film slowly reveals Kira's secret that has in turn led to a cascade of dysfunction not only in the Flynn family, but the entire town. Richard Davenport is the local business tycoon, who would appear to own the town. Does he even have the local psychiatrist in his hip pocket? What is clear is that he appears to own the hapless Flynn family.
The filmmakers have clearly taken an over-the-top approach with the melodrama, which some viewers may find excessive. But any shortcomings in the dialogue and the plotting are compensated with the well-etched characters. In turn, the cast was outstanding, especially the performer playing Kira, who carried the film from start to finish. The mother character was also strong, as she slowly comes out of her shell, as apparent in the moment when she opens one of the file boxes of her late husband. That experience of opening Pandora's box is a turning point in the film.
"The Prince for Silence" may not be a masterpiece. But in its craftsmanship and the stellar performances, it is a compelling piece of domestic tragedy.
