| Complete credited cast: | |||
| | Colin Farrell | ... | Corporal McBurney |
| | Nicole Kidman | ... | Miss Martha |
| | Kirsten Dunst | ... | Edwina |
| | Elle Fanning | ... | Alicia |
| | Oona Laurence | ... | Amy |
| | Angourie Rice | ... | Jane |
| | Addison Riecke | ... | Marie |
| | Emma Howard | ... | Emily |
| | Wayne Pére | ... | Captain (as Wayne Pere) |
| | Matt Story | ... | Confederate Soldier |
| | Joel Albin | ... | Cavalry Man |
Three years into the American Civil War, in 1864, the dilapidated mansion of Miss Martha Farnsworth's Seminary for Young Ladies is still running, occupied by the matriarch, a teacher and five students in Spanish moss-draped Virginia. However, when a young student stumbles upon Corporal John McBurney, a wounded Union deserter on the verge of death, the already frail balance of things will be disrupted, as the hesitant headmistress decides to take him in to heal from his injury. Little by little, as the unwelcome guest arouses an uneasy sexual excitation among the women of the secluded boarding school, it is not before long that they will find themselves competing for the alluring man's favour. Undoubtedly, this handsome devil is a manipulator, nevertheless, will the ladies stay forever beguiled by his charm? Written by Nick Riganas
This film does have a distinct visual appeal to it, as well as overall solid performances. However, the underlying tension that Coppola I think was going for doesn't really materialize. Instead the viewer is left with feelings of frustration because we know what we're supposed to be feeling, or what we think we should, but the director just can't make it happen. In part this is due to her going for style in place of substance, when these need not be mutually exclusive.