In an upstate country house over the course of a few days, the lives of four very different people intertwine revealingly in John G. Young's poignant and moving THE RECEPTION. The divorced Jeanette (Pamela Holden Stewart) and the HIV-positive Martin (Wayne Lamont Sims) live together in the house (which was also used in YOU CAN COUNT ON ME), supporting each other's needs--except those pertaining to sex. While Martin disappears into the barn to paint, Jeanette drinks away her memories, but each needs something more. Unexpectedly, Jeanette's estranged daughter, Sierra (Margaret Burkwit), shows up with her new husband, Andrew (Dairen Sills-Evan), and the stage is set for uncomfortable situations, deep-seated lies and fears, and the unleashing of some powerful and hurtful secrets. As Jeanette prepares to throw a reception for the new couple, it turns out that none of the main characters is quite what they appear to be. Young's second film (following 1995's PARALLEL SONS) is a well-acted, well-written indie triumph, shot for just 5,000 dollars in eight days. It cleverly deals with such issues as homosexuality, betrayal, race, and loneliness with a combination of humor, intelligence, and truthfulness that hits home.