Netherlands 2012
Starts July 18, 2013
Directed by: Antoinette Beumer
Writing credits: Marnie Blok, Karin van Holst Pellekaan
Cast: Holly Hunter, Jelka van Houten, Carice van Houten, Jeroen Spitzenberger, Jaap Spijkers, Paul Hoes, Linda Fazio
Length: 96 minutes
A cozy family dinner turns precarious when two sisters learn distressing news about their obscure American birth mother, from their loving and still-in-love parents. Twins Daan and Sofie (real-life sisters’ van Houten) are nothing alike, yet they disrupt their busy lives in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. With the best of intentions, the twins embark on a quick-fix trip to New Mexico.
First sight of Jackie (Academy Award® winner Hunter) pummeling a hospital attendant quashes any hope for a quintessential reunion; when beset with her crusty perseverance, they are helpless. Jackie’s severely fractured leg needs a far-off rehabilitation facility’s service, but her inner ear disorder allows only one—land bound—transportation option. Forcing the twins to make the trek into foreign territory in her ancient hippy-campervan unhinges their urbane savvy. But Jackie’s guidance and intuition help them clarify their personalities. Through her persistent, feisty cum gentle prodding their facades crack—off with the stilettos, inhibitions crumble—drive the campervan sans a license, show gumption—face-off lechers, and take chances—stand up before a crowd. Paradoxically, Jackie’s acerbic nature undergoes a makeover from spending time with the twins. Their difficult journey begets rediscovering how to laugh and love, and appreciate the women they are. The twins stay the course following an untimely intervention, and as fate will have it, inadvertently ascertain Jackie’s quintessential gift to them.
Antoinette Beumer confidently directs Blok and van Holst Pellekaan’s captivating screenplay that integrates excitement, turmoil, humor, poignancy, and surprises. Marc Bechtold’s astute editing clearly separates the myriad—past and present—personal stories, boosted by Danny Elsen’s encompassing cinematography, and Melcher Meirmans, Merlijn Snitker, and Chrisnanne Wiegel’s atmospheric music. This unique story crosses continents, and offers infinite insight into individualism, personal veracity, alternate lifestyles, and the glory in choosing to do so. ()