in her feature film debut, this movie explores the lengths a young, broke couple will go to for financial security—and the physical toll it takes. Juno Temple

Director (making her feature debut) faced significant budget constraints, shooting in upstate New York with a modest $1.5 million. Despite this, she creates a stylized world: the color palette shifts from muted grays (pre-teapot) to vibrant, over-saturated golds and reds (mid-addiction) to soft natural tones (post-redemption).

As Alice and John descend into a cycle of violence, greed, and mutual suspicion, their marriage is tested. Alice becomes addicted to the power and luxury; John grows horrified by what they’ve become. The climax forces them to choose: the teapot or each other.

Critics praised Temple’s performance and the original concept but criticized the uneven tone and a third act that loses steam. Roger Ebert called it “a clever idea stretched thin.” Audience scores are higher (60%+), particularly among fans of surreal indie comedies.

Alexis Bledel (of Gilmore Girls fame) appears in a memorable supporting role as the previous owner of the teapot, delivering a monologue that chillingly explains the artifact’s history—hinting that greed has destroyed people for centuries.

One day, after a minor car accident, Alice visits a mysterious roadside antique shop. There, she discovers an ancient, battered brass teapot. The shopkeeper gives it to her for free, claiming it has “no value.” Once home, Alice accidentally hurts herself while handling the teapot — and cash immediately appears inside it. Through trial and error, the couple learns the rules: