'Jailbait' succeeds in rattling the audience

The claustrophobia-inducing psychological drama "Jailbait" is a little film not so much to be enjoyed as endured.

More like a play than a movie, it's the alarming tale of a young three-time felon (all charges involved drugs and vandalism) who winds up with a 25-year sentence and a murderer for a cellmate. To be specific, the killer sliced his wife's throat in a fit of revengeful ferocity.

Kindred Media Group 'Jailbait' B- The verdict: A psychologically disturbing drama successful in its attempt to make viewers decidedly uncomfortable. Director: Brett C. Leonard Starring: Stephen Adly Guirgis, Michael Pitt, Laila Robins, David Zayas, Eric Trosman Run time: 89 minutes Release date: August 4, 2006 Rating: R for pervasive language including graphic sexual dialogue, and some violence. On the web Official movie site Rate 'Jailbait'   Go see it   Make it a matinee   Wait to rent   Don't bother Voter Limit: Once per Hour View Poll Results

Michael Pitt ("The Village," "The Dreamers") plays the young felon Randy, whom we see escorted into the cell and left with Jake (portrayed by Stephen Adly Guirgis, who wrote the play "Jesus Hopped the 'A' Train").

The film rarely ventures outside their three walls and bars. There's but one mission here: to slowly witness the psychological manipulation that Jake uses to make Randy his sex slave.

Little physical violence is shown and the rapes are not depicted. But "Jailbait" is still disturbing and affecting. The performances are both strong. Guirgis is especially good at seeming to be friendly and a little charming, but underneath is one big, sick abuser.

This, in effect, is a depiction of prison as every don't-go-to-jail scare story warns it will be.