A withering indictment of American social values, written and directed by a man who has never set foot in America, Lars von Trier’s Dogville is an ambitious provocation. With an all-star cast led by Nicole Kidman, this epic Brechtian drama is a raw examination of small-town hypocrisy and prejudice.

After screenwriting success with What’s Eating Gilbert Grape, Peter Hedges won the Special Jury Prize at Sundance for his directorial debut. Peppered with the vivacious wit of Patricia Clarkson’s deliciously mordant performance, dysfunction crackles between characters in this meaty ensemble drama.