What They Had

What I had (ha-ha), was some time to kill before going to a screening of Wildlife yesterday so I decided to squeeze this film in before the showing. Saw the trailer for this and it looked pretty standard but I'm always game for films that depict mental health and the impact it has on others. The film also boasts a really wonderful cast and I had to think that the film would at the very least halfway decent. Its more than decent, I actually had a good time with this. It mixes a bevy of emotions but hits exactly the right notes when it needs to. The film is about two children who come together with their mom and dad around the holidays. Their mom is suffering from Alzheimer's disease and its tough for her to remember her own children and her husband. The family have a lot of issues to resolve as they clash heads on what to do with their mother and their unspoken issues with their hard headed father. The film stars Hilary Swank, Robert Forster, Taissa Farmiga, Blythe Danner, and of course Michael Shannon in one of my favorite performances he's ever done. The film is actually hilarious in many parts, especially through Michael Shannon. He plays a dead pan sarcastic brother/uncle and his comments made my day. There's just a good deal of humor involving the characters despite the film being emotionally heavy as it deals with a disease that impacts a family so greatly. As expected, the talented cast is perfect in this film. Forster and Swank in particular really showcase their talents. Even Blythe Danner playing the mom; she's always so happy and cheery despite the fact that she can hardly remember anything. I think I'm most impressed by Elizabeth Chomko's script. It balances everything well. The script is simple but has a lot of heart and dimension to it. This isn't a film that's going to get a lot of buzz as it came out very limited, but I think its a very enjoyable effort. If you're a lover of film and have some time to kill, go for it. Its not an essential watch but go see the character and family dynamics on display here. 7.5/10

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source: What They Had

Saw the stellar cast in this and rented it . Wonderful script executed perfectly by all four leading actors. Covers a difficult subject with just the right amount of compassion and humor, which helps the characters deal with the challenge of aging . Recommend this film very much.Hope this film gets the credit it deserves.

Looking at the average score on IMDB I almost didn't want each and what a loss it would have had. Simply describing this as a film about how a family is dealing with a loved one alzheimer illness is to simplistic and doesn't nearly do it justice. It's about so much more painful family relations, old hurts, loneliness, regrets, a life half lived, missed chances, the kind of love I think we all would aspire to and so much more. The script and director do a wonderful job in dealing with some pretty heavy subjects quite tenderly. I was genuinly touched by this movie and yes, shed some tears and I think anyone who has experienced loss and some painful live experiences will do so to. Do not miss!

The Universe brought me this film on a flight from San Diego to Dallas on my way to visit my 90+ year old parents downstate Illinois. My Mother had been in the hospital, and my Dad requested my assistance. What a blessing to bring my Mother home the next day. She suffers from dementia. They too live in the same house and it is the issue for my Dad and brother who lives in town and usually cares for them. Superb acting from all, as expected. Chicago in winter spectacular. I was lucky. I needed this now, as would anyone in the similar situation.

A good movie, and not predictable. I've seen alzhiemer movie before and each of them had something to offer -- Away From You, Just Alice and this one -- all different and all good in their own way. This one really had a surprise twist to it that I was not expecting. I also liked the relationship between the brother and sister -- not sappy and moving. All in all a good movie, very watchable.

Loved this powerful drama about life when someone you love has Alzheimer's. Great cast, beautifully directed. Great for all to see!