A quiet, character-driven film that explores the complicated life of a widow, her son's personal assistant, and their journey of self-discovery.
The film, inspired by a true story, follows the story of Jane Adler, a Santa Barbara divorcee, as she navigates her complicated life after her husband's passing.
Her son, in an attempt to help, sends his personal assistant, Jamie, to assist her in planning the funeral. As they spend an intense week together, they learn surprising family secrets and grapple with how to help each other, all while dodging the many elephants in the room.
The story is a quiet, character-driven piece that feels like a play, with the lead actors, Allison Janney and Andrew Rannells, sitting together and having big conversations that unfold in unexpected, darkly funny ways. The film's writer, Jim Rash, was inspired by a personal experience, where his sister brought her assistant to their father's funeral, and he thought it was an interesting lens to see people when they're most vulnerable.
The story is able to wander freely through the characters' hurts, swerving or doubling back as needed, and it benefits from the fact that there's no pre-existing template or obvious destination for the relationship between a widow and her son's personal assistant. The film's performances, particularly those of Janney and Rannells, are superb, and its swift pace, snappy humor, and snappy one-liners keep it moving like a freight train.
The story is a memorable one, and it's the kind of movie that used to be made quite often, but now is a rare gem. The film also explores universal themes, like the fear of loss and the risk of emotional honesty, and it's a story that will leave viewers thinking long after the credits roll
Allison Janney Andrew Rannells Jim Rash Santa Barbara Funeral Widow Personal Assistant Complicated Life Loss Emotional Honesty
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Pete Davidson & Elsie Hewitt Have a ‘Complicated’ Custody Battle Ahead of Them, According to an InsiderThe exes won't have an easy time deciding custody for 5-month-old Scottie.
Read more »
Iran war has complicated plans for an international force in Gaza that has yet to materializeAn international stabilization force promised for Gaza has yet to materialize three months after it was announced at an event hosted by U.S. President Donald Trump.
Read more »
Iran war has complicated plans for an international force in Gaza that has yet to materializeAn international stabilization force promised for Gaza has yet to materialize three months after it was announced at an event hosted by U.S. President Donald Trump.
Read more »
Tom Hanks and the Cast of Toy Story 5 Perform Iconic 'Toy Story Flop' on StageTom Hanks and the cast of Toy Story 5 performed the iconic 'Toy Story Flop' on stage at the film's UK launch event. The franchise will return in June 2026 with a fifth installment. The film features a star-studded cast, including Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, and Keanu Reeves, reprising their roles alongside Tom Hanks. Toy Story 5 will introduce a new challenge for the toys: the digital age.
Read more »