PG

I try to be nice reviewing this as movies with such a big fanbase like its, proclaiming it’s one of the best movies ever made — if not the best — and that its twist was just absolutely unbelievable and amazing give too much expectations to the audience, which is a huge shame as it can make you really disappointed once you actually watch it. Perhaps this happened to me, as the “twist” (if you can even call it that) wasn’t so groundbreaking from my perspective.  Although I can appreciate its cinematography which was very pleasing to the eye. The sound effects were also so wonderfully timed and chosen.  The ending being open was a peculiar choice, one which I’m not sure I agree with.

This was so interesting. Putting it from the mom’s perspective was a really smart move, although annoying at first because one may keep thinking where did it go wrong, when did it go wrong ? And each time you think you have an answer, you don’t. No—the answer is at the ending, when she hugged her son, sincerely, for the first time in 16 years.   After that, both of them indirectly got what they needed so much. As soon that happened, I immediately broke down. The movie itself was really beautifully put, and shot. You keep wondering where it’s going, until you’re not so surprised anymore at the end. It’s really bittersweet. But oh, so great.

I do have words, they’re just hard to say. This felt truly real. It was so awfully saddening, but weirdly calm and relaxing.  Kate and Leo really gave it their all. I did appreciate both of their really touching performances. They both showed the same emotion only represented differently. Kate really did a remarkable job with depicting depression and the least talked about side of motherhood. April is a very relatable character, and you really feel her words and actions. More than Frank ever did, I’d say. Each gaze of hers appeared so empty, it was really touching.  Leo did really great as well with Frank. The way you can gradually feel Frank’s pride die out, as in the end he’s almost begging for recognition and letting himself go when April showed a small sign of appreciation when she hadn’t in weeks. The ending was really expected, which is ironic when you consider its purpose. Somehow seeing April’s sort of reassurance as she realised what was happening, and Frank’s look in his eyes as he stepped back in the hallway, in shock, was awfully touching but also so innocently put.  I was left feeling reassured, which must surely be concerning but oh, well.

Honestly aged so badly it’s ridiculously hilarious. I would have normally put 2.5, but I think it’d be just unfair as the casting was really well chosen.  So well, in fact, that it caught my attention much more than the plot.