Every once in a while, there is a movie that affects its audience members so deeply that they cannot shake the feeling even after they have left the movie theater. This is one such movie. Janet Fitch’s first novel, “White Oleander,” became the Oprah Book Club Selection in May 1999. As a Los Angeles native, Fitch does quite a good job depicting the small things that make Los Angeles what it is, from the Santa Anna winds to the Santa Monica pier. While this is not the first Oprah Book Club selection to be made into a movie, the product is much better than Winfrey’s dark and debatable pet project, “Beloved.”

“White Oleander” tells the story of Astrid (Alison Lohman of TV’s “Pasadena”), a 14-year-old Los Angeles girl whose life is suddenly turned upside down with the arrest of her artist mother Ingrid (Michelle Pfeiffer of “I Am Sam”) for the murder of her unfaithful boyfriend (Scottish performer Billy Connolly of the 1980’s TV sitcom “Head of the Class”).

Astrid is forced to bounce from one foster mother to another (Renee Zellweger of “Bridget Jones’ Diary” and Robin Wright Penn of “Unbreakable”), each transition containing its own lessons, hardships, and dangers, as she struggles to become an independent woman. And within that struggle, the only constant in her life is the powerful influence of her mother, for better or worse.

Lohman makes her film debut, and as evidenced by her performance, is my first 2002 contender for the Best Actress Academy Award. The depth and versatility she displays is astonishing for an actor of her age. Her performance would rival that of more the seasoned and experienced actresses in the industry. The effects of seeing her go through Astrid’s trials and tribulations will stay with you long after the end of the movie. This is an actress to keep your eye on.

Pfeiffer leads the all-star supporting cast, surprisingly convincing as an emotionally abusive mother; Ingrid will do anything in her power to control her daughter’s life even through the confines of a prison cell. Pfeiffer is amazing at showing how strong and manipulating a mother’s influence can be.

I have never been a Renee Zellweger fan; sure, she was cute in “Jerry Maguire,” but that was about the extent of her ability. However, I must admit she really won me over in this film. Her performance as Clair, the sweet second foster mother, is wonderful. It is impossible not to love her. She is offset by Noah Wyle (TV’s “ER”) who plays the absentee movie production husband.

This is not a movie to go see if you’re out for a fun night. This is a “take your best friend and a box of tissue” kind of movie. It’s a wonderful film, but it will stay with you long after the credits have finished running. It’s that deep.