Capsule reviews for Sept. 9

Author: The JT LeRoy Story

A decade after the notorious hoax was busted, this documentary about the fictional prodigy known as JT LeRoy offers a fresh perspective into author pseudonyms, literary integrity and the 1990s pop-culture landscape. The film tells the story of Laura Albert, a troubled young San Francisco writer with aspirations of fame who found her voice by writing from the perspective of an androgynous teenage boy, then claiming the works were autobiographical. Along the way, the work makes LeRoy a reclusive underground celebrity. Even if the film seems too accepting of the ruse on the surface, it’s fascinating stuff whether or not you know the real story. (Rated R, 110 minutes).

London Road

While the concept might seem jarring to those unfamiliar with the source material, this cinematic adaptation of the acclaimed British musical is rewarding for more than its audacity. The story recounts true-life events from 2006, when the titular street in Ipswich was victimized by a killing spree that left five prostitutes dead and the locals shaken. After an arrest is made, the neighbors are able to gradually regroup. Even if the frequent singing of the dialogue — some of it mundane and intentionally unpolished — might seem callous under the circumstances, the cumulative effect is amusing and provocative. The ensemble cast includes Olivia Colman and Tom Hardy. (Not rated, 91 minutes).

Other People

While the cathartic inspiration is heartfelt, the sympathy doesn’t always resonate in this offbeat comedy from rookie director Chris Kelly, a “Saturday Night Live” writer who based his script on his quirky family’s methods of coping with his mother’s terminal cancer. In the film, a fledgling writer (Jesse Plemons) dealing with relationship issues moves back home to care for his mother (Molly Shannon) as her health deteriorates, while still stinging from the rejection of his father (Bradley Whitford) after coming out. Kelly generates some big laughs amid tricky territory and Shannon’s performance is audacious, but it feels disjointed and sketchy while dealing with familiar themes. (Not rated, 97 minutes).

Transpecos

A familiar setting provides the backdrop for some fresh twists in this gritty low-budget thriller about a trio of border patrol agents (played by Johnny Simmons, Gabriel Luna and Clifton Collins Jr.) at a remote checkpoint in Arizona whose lives are threatened when a drug bust goes wrong. As loyalties are questioned, a cartel closes in and true motives are revealed, all three men face moral dilemmas. While the screenplay by rookie director Greg Kwedar stretches narrative credibility, the film retains an even-handed approach to its provocative subject matter and an evocative grasp of its harsh setting. And it gradually builds suspense without resorting to cliches. (Not rated, 86 minutes).