Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.8|5.0
Starsììì
Our Souls at Night, when
critiqued strictly on acting and portrayal, performs at a high level of
competence due to the two lead performers’—Robert Redford and Jane Fonda—acting
abilities. However, when examining the premise upon which the story unfolds, much
discussion can be raised about the value of the storyline itself. While the
overall story flows smoothly and ends happily, questions arise over the story’s
basic premise and the movie thereby becomes a great 'after movie discussion' film. For example, does the choice of the two main actors promote moral behavior? Does
it help to establish clean thinking within the community at large? Do personal
image and moral reputation matter? Does a contractual marriage arrangement have
value in advanced age groups? Does placing two seasoned persons in close
proximity and in a setting conducive to sexual contact, without the benefit of
marriage, matter? Is this a viable solution to loneliness in advanced age? Are
seasoned citizens beyond responsibility to set moral example to younger
generations? Depending upon the audiences’ viewpoints and answers to any one of
these questions, the movie will ultimately be rated as a winning piece of
entertainment or as a distorted rationalization of adult choices. At the least, the movie plants a seed in the audience
mind. One question is: What is the desired fruitage from this planted seed?
Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia
Storyline
Widow
(Jane Fonda) asks widower (Robert Redford) to help combat loneliness by establishing
a long-term platonic ‘sleep over’ relationship.
Additional Thanks
Thank
You to Director Ritesh Batra for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive
Producers Pauline Fischer and Ben Ormand for making the film possible.
Additional characters/cast include: Holly (Judy Greer), Addie Moore (Jane
Fonda), Louis Waters (Robert Redford), Jamie (Iain Armitage), Dorlan (Bruce
Dern), Gene (Matthias Schoenaerts), Ruth (Phyllis Somerville), Actress (Leana
Lewis), Realtor (Audrey Walters), Café Teenager (Hawley Penfold), and Actor
(Michael Love Toliver).
Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?
Maybe.
It is an interesting mature adult romance, but not Ben Meyers’ first pick for a
love/friendship story.
Video Critique Available Here:
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