Close plays Diana, an acting star and director whose personal life is a lonely one despite the happy aura she tries to put forward in keeping with her diva image. A centerpiece in the film’s framework is a birthday party she is having that night and to be attended by her retinue of acquaintances and colleagues trying to keep in her good graces.

Diana’s daughter Isabel, a photographer portrayed effectively by the extremely interesting actress Elizabeth Banks, is planning to marry Jonathan, convincingly played by James Marsden. But the situation is complicated by the secret that he has kept about his past and his sexuality. Trouble is brewing as a result of a journalist, played by John Light, wanting to interview Jonathan about his past relationship with a hot-shot photographer who is the subject of an article. Another key character is Alec, who is auditioning for Diana and—well, that’s not his only importance. George Segal has a small but striking role as the rabbi whom Jonathan visits for guidance.

It is astonishing how well director Terrio has been able to weave all of these respective stories into the 24-hour time framework, a challenge that might daunt a much more experienced director. But Terrio, working from a screenplay credited to Amy Fox based on her short play, pulls it off with intelligence, style and a sense of place. The look is fresh and the impression is one of honesty in dealing with the characters and their situations, including the mother-daughter issues between Diana and Isabel. The introduction of an unexpected character and what occurs adds spice at the end and leaves the audience contemplating what seems destined to unfold, and yet is not spelled out. It is a smooth and welcome touch.