World Premiere

When her husband is accidentally caught on tape making a call to his mistress, Betty Munson becomes driven to discover what other secrets surround her. She compulsively hides her home video camera?eavesdropping on anyone who comes in contact with her. But Betty may not have been ready for what she discovers about her friends, her son, or even her parents. And they may not be ready to have their secrets known.

Director Saul Rubinek?s experience as an actor (Unforgiven, The Contender, Frasier) provides the perfect insight for navigating the powerful and emotional text of Cruel But Necessary. His strong technique and voyeuristic approach to an exploration of family dynamics is personal, often funny and sometimes unsettling?while making his audience eyewitnesses to Betty?s emotional ups and downs, as if they are right there sharing them with her.

Rubinek and actress Wendel Meldrum, whose moving performance is our guide through Betty?s journey, have given us a bittersweet film, handled with wit and insight. The result is often hilarious, but, as she discovers, it can also be devastating to both those she loves and to herself. Although we can see that what Betty records may sometimes be cruel, it is, in fact, necessary.

Sandy Wolf

MAVERICK COMPETITION