The reality of this subject is that no one gets off that easy. Some of the acting may not be the best and many of the points aren't made with a soft touch, but damn, I can't think of another film about addiction with a more accurate view from the inside. Not that I'm saying I would know, uh...forget it.

The film kicks off with a study of just how much maintenance is required for Alix to support her "illness". "Requiem for a Dream" may have nailed the ritual of hardcore drug use, but "Acts of Worship" nails the need and desperation in a far more naked way.

-- from a review of Acts of Worship, based on the filmaker's own experiences.

This is basically my sentiment of the film. Though I saw the film not too far from the Lower East Side (Manhattan, NY) setting, I cannot validate its realism. All the same, it seems pretty true to life. All the same, the movie is a bit hard to take because of some amateurish acting and writing. It especially hurts the intriguing subplot of the recovered addict who tries to help (her photographs of addicts impresses the art world, but on some level, she cannot quite accept her success). And, some of the messages of the film (including the source of the title) are not exactly handled with finesse. Still, the movie retains a sense of hardhitting truth to it that makes you stick with it.

Thanksgiving ... was better than expected. Family is often best handled in small doses.