This is the last Oscar movie I’m missing, other than the foreign movies. I am glad I ended with this, because it was a real surprise.
I didn’t expect much about it, but somehow I really liked it. We are slowly introduced to Kym’s family, after she leaves rehab.
She’s obviously the black sheep of the family but at least at first it seems like everyone is happy for Rachel’s wedding. Soon the truth comes out, first from Kym, she resents Rachel for not choosing her as the maid of honor.
Slowly we learn more about the other members of the family, including their parents. There is a scene about a dish-washing machine contest, that starts with a lot of people joking and having fun, but it ends on a sour note.
The truth of what Kym did is soon revealed, and it brings out tension and emotions that this family hadn’t dealt with. Those confrontation scenes between the members of the family were really powerful and they felt completely realistic.
To help with the realism is the documentary style of this movie, the camera is hand-held without really attracting attention to it. It’s not a gimmick, it just feels natural and it really immerses us into the characters.
I really felt the characters were true, all dialogs felt real and the performances were excellent throughout. Anne Hathaway was very brave in her role, it’s not an easy role to play because it’s clearly not sympathetic, but at the same time she’s also not a villain. She’s just a normal person, with her flaws and attributes.
A surprisingly good drama.
Rating: 4 Stars