I was completely taken by surprise by this movie. Knowing nothing of the original novel, and knowing the 2011 miniseries by name only; I went in with no expectations but came out genuinely pleasantly surprised. This is a first-rate drama that really delivers on the emotional side that these movies usually lack.

The story follows Mildred Pierce, a single mother trying to support her family. She divorces her first husband because they're not on the same page about how to raise their daughter, Veda. Mildred will do anything to give Veda the life that she never had. She works hard in the restaurant business and becomes very successful. Around this time, Mildred meets and almost falls in love with Monte Beragon, until she releases what a freeloading dirt bag he is. But Veda takes up a fascination with Monte; she thinks he is the only one who can satisfy her lavish lifestyle. Mildred is left with a plethora of moral choices to make.

What makes the movie so great is the troubled heroine at the center. Joan Crawford is superb as Mildred, and totally deserving of her Oscar win. The character itself is fascinating, a woman who will do anything to get in the good graces of her egocentric daughter. She makes a lot of wrong decisions, but the audience still roots for her. Crawford nails the part of this very edgy character.

Providing a memorable and despicable performance is Ann Blyth as Veda Pierce. I can't remember that last time I hated a character so much. Veda is selfish, uncaring, and completely lacking empathy. Crawford might give the best, most subtle performance, but Blyth gives the most memorable. She is utterly despicable in the part. For some unknown reason, Blyth was nominated but didn't win the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress. Her performance is far better than the actual winner's, Anne Revere in National Velvet.

The rest of the cast is also excellent. Eve Arden is funny and fantastic in her Oscar nominated turn as Ida. Jack Carson also turns in a great performance as Wally. But the two main male leads of the movie, Zachary Scott and Bruce Bennett, aren't entirely impressive.

This movie shows itself to be an above average noir drama, and it scored six Academy Award nominations to prove it. It's a class act that always entertains. The story pulls you right in and is riveting from start to finish. This is really a movie about people, the story isn't quite as important; and the phenomenal performances back up the fascinating characters.

"Personally, Veda's convinced me that alligators have the right idea. They eat their young." 8.5/10