By Selina Spain
Starring Toni Collette, Drew Barrymore Directed by Catherine Hardwicke (Lords of Dogtown).
When I first heard Toni Collette was one of the leads in this movie, I was instantly drawn to it because I think she is such a gutsy and flexible actress, taking on her characters with boundless expression. Starring alongside is the always adorable Drew Barrymore.
This film is wonderfully shot is based in London and revolves around the lives of two settled women Milly (Toni Collette) and Jess (Drew Barrymore), best friends since Milly arrived from the US as a child. They have maintained their closeness into their adulthood, barely skipping a beat and always within an arm’s length of each others lives.
Milly is a successful, vivacious and confident PR executive, married with two kids living a comfortable life of almost inexhaustible vitality. Jess is a grounded environment worker married and trying for a baby, a dedicated and loving friend more on the cautious, realist side.
Then the cancer happens. Milly understandably tries to evade the news and these strong currents of change naturally pressure the bonds within the marriages, children and friendships.
The merging of the music and imagery reflects the intensity of their current reality. The soundtrack compilation for this movie features some haunting & hopeful tracks and Toni Collette (also an experienced musician) collaborates with her husband David Galafassi on “Hello Halo”.
There are some brilliant and quirky jokes amongst the sensitive subject matter enhancing the attitude of not giving up, sticking together and navigating the stress and emotion the story reveals. I appreciated the realness shown in this movie such as; a busy, somewhat chaotic household, imperfect relationships, the highs and lows and vulnerabilities humans experience.
Now, I love a movie that sticks with you for hours, even days as you process (in some cases relate to) the drama that has unfolded on the big screen. This is a very convincing and detailed portrayal of being dealt a certain card in life. Certainly filled with magic and memorable moments.