Planned Parenthood. Hostel. Robert Loggia. Red State. IUDs. Family Research Council. Baby Murder. Saw. What do these things have in common? No one knows, but the trailer for The Life Zone might hold some of the keys. It’s the kind of nutbar crazy that the movie world demands as a sacrifice to the B-movie Gods every so often. An insane idea (a group kidnaps three women who were about to have abortions and holds them against their will until they give birth) propelled by what looks like some schlock writing and a few wooden acting moments. The brilliance of this thing can’t be overstated. Loggia is doing his best gravelly Jigsaw impression, random actress #1 screams a lot, random actress #2 is trying hard to be Nurse Ratched and failing, and every line is so on the nose we might as well be breathing through them. Feel free to watch this twenty to thirty times.

Lauren Flanagan is bringing you reviews from the Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival. In the hot seat: an impartial look at one of the most controversial debates going on in America.

For American audiences, 4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days addresses the abortion issue with a measure of neutrality, without partisan determination anyway.