USA 2017
Opening August 1, 2019

Directed by: Russell Harbaugh
Writing credits: Russell Harbaugh, Eric Mendelsohn
Principal actors: Andie MacDowell, Chris O’Dowd, James Adomian

Following the death of her husband, Suzanne (MacDowell) slowly finds a path to a new life and way of being a mother, a friend and a partner.  Her adult sons, Nicholas (O’Dowd) and Chris (Adomian), follow a variety of self-destructive paths, after the death of their father, with the ups and downs their thoughtless, selfish actions cause. The family of three works through their grief in different ways and try to accept each other’s decisions in the new lives they build.

Andie MacDowell’s portrayal of a grieving widow, mother and woman is remarkable and elicited strong empathy for Suzanne. MacDowell hasn’t been on the big screen for a while but this 61-year-old still has what it takes to captivate us. O’Dowd and Adomian on the other hand portray rather unlikeable individuals. Whether their behavior is a reaction to the death of their father or just part of who they are is unclear but the viewer can decide. Overall, this is a raw film about death, grief and finding your way after the loss of a loved one.

As a directing debut for Russell Harbaugh this film has weight and provides a heart-wrenching experience for the viewer.  91 minutes (Christine R.)