Traveling across America with her father (Willem Dafoe), Grace (Bryce Dallas Howard) comes to discover the isolated plantation of Manderlay - a place whose inhabitants do not know that slavery has been abolished. Outraged to discover that the plantation's owner, Mam (Lauren Bacall), not only employs slaves but also refuses to open their eyes to the truth, Grace fights against all odds to free the slaves of Manderlay, who include Wilhelm (Danny Glover), the old house servant and the two-faced, rebellious Timothy (Isaach De Bankole). This Cannes Golden Palm nominated drama is from the innovative Danish director and screenwriter, Lars von Trier and also features Chloe Sevigny and John Hurt.

Actor Bryce Dallas Howard explains how the film brought her closer to the comic book.

M. Night Shyamalan writes and directs this self-proclaimed, grown-up "bedtime story" about an apartment building superintendent named Cleveland (Paul Giamatti) who discovers a magical sea-nymph named Story (Bryce Dallas Howard) who's been transported to this world and is living in the building's own swimming pool. As this bizarre revelation sinks in, Cleveland becomes enraptured by her other-worldly charm. As he shelters her in his apartment, other inhabitants of the building begin falling into place as representations of characters from an Eastern myth in which these mermaids, or "narfs," co-exist unhappily with more beastly and violent characters. In human reality, the forces of darkness that threaten the heroes of a fairy tale prove to be much more terrifying, and the victory of good over evil is by no means guaranteed. Jeffery Wright, Jared Harris and Mary Beth Hurt co-star, as well as Shyamalan himself, playing the visionary writer Vick. ~ Cammila Albertson, All Movie Guide

Cleveland Heep (Paul Giamatti) discovers Story (Bryce Dallas Howard) in a paniced state.

Story (Bryce Dallas Howard) questions her own ability to lead.

Cleveland Heep (Paul Giamatti) and Story (Bryce Dallas Howard) run from a stalking creature.