As in most of Sayles contemporary films, the domineering past is the main character. Desiree, who left Plantation Island, Florida, a quarter-century ago as a pregnant teenager for points north, tries to make amends with her ghosts of yesteryear, as well as her hard-to-please mom, Eunice, while sixth-generation local Marly, erstwhile Weeki Watchee mermaid and reluctant motel manager, considers breaking with hers altogether. The future rears its ugly head in the shape of real estate leviathans poised to consume Desiree and Marlys sleepy neighboring hometowns the former mostly black, the latter largely white and regurgitate them as strip-mall zones and pricey gated enclaves. (Jessica Winter)