Rating: M
Running Time: 91 minutes
Release Date: 17 Februray 2011
Becca Corbett (Nicole Kidman) and her husband Howie (Aaron Eckhart) should be the epitome of a happily married couple but their domestic bliss has been shattered by the death of their young son Danny. They each seek solace from their grief in different ways, Howie surrounding himself with memories and creating a shrine whilst Becca seeks to erase them. These opposing forces threaten to tear them apart. Well-meaning friends and family, such as Becca’s mother (Diane Wiest), who also lost a son, fail to connect with their loss, instead exacerbating their sense of isolation. Even members of the support group they attend such veteran griever of eight years, Gaby (Sandra Oh) inflame Becca’s ire. To complicate matters Becca’s wayward sister Izzy falls pregnant to musician boyfriend Auggie (Giancarlo Esposito) which compounds her despair. Lost, Becca befriends young comic artist Jason (Miles Teller) and finds comfort in his tales of alternate realities and so begins the healing process.
Directed by John Cameron Mitchell (Shortbus) and adapted by David Lindsay-Abaire from his Pulitzer Prize-winning play of the same name. The whole story is slowly revealed throughout as it and the central characters build complex layering whilst at the same time being stripped bare. The dialogue is honest, raw and heartbreaking at times and is well delivered by all the cast particularly Kidman, Eckhart and Wiest (I am Sam). It’s not surprising that Kidman has been nominated for an Academy Award for best female lead and reminds you that she hasn’t lost her ability despite several flops and fluffy parts in the last few years. Eckhart (Thank you for Smoking) is his usual best as he is trying hard to reconnect with his wife all the while coping with his own insurmountable grief. Miles Teller is a wonderful surprise in the acting department and he oozes such charisma you can’t take your eyes of him and the few scenes that he is in with Kidman. Yet their relationship is the catalyst for change and pivotal in making this film work, he is definitely a star in the making. Whilst the subject matter may not be the most enjoyable thing to watch it is uplifting and delivers a take home message for all to appreciate.
4/5 stars
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