Though only 19 minutes long, “The Punishing Business” quickly becomes an intense roller coaster of emotions as the film peels back the layers of guilt, fear and loneliness that plague both Ellen and Addie — but will ultimately become the bond that saves their lives. Despite her natural beauty and privileged upbringing, Ellen is a recovering junkie, fresh out of prison, who thrives on the edge of self-destruction. Or so she thinks. One more screw-up, however, and Ellen will be back behind bars. Addie is the developmentally-disabled daughter of Ellen’s landlady, who drops by for no apparent reason, then refuses to leave. At first, Ellen finds Addie’s annoying personality tics almost amusing—including her idle threats (“Want a knuckle sandwich, lady?”), incessant chatter (“Paying rent means people stay”) and odd gestures (offering Ellen her pink purse). But when Addie becomes physically aggressive, then dangerous—a situation compounded by the
unexpected arrival of Ellen’s parole officer—Ellen suddenly loses it, leading to a startling
discovery that explains everything about Addie’s behavior that day.