Nicole Holofcener, channeling her best Woody Allen delivers a compelling character study of a woman grappling with guilt. Catherine Keener plays Kate, a wealthy New York furniture dealer and mother. She, along with her husband Alex (Oliver Platt) buy the furniture from the children of their deceased neighbors and resell it in an upscale 5th Avenue furniture store. As their business expands, they make plans to expand their apartment: by buying the apartment of their elderly neighbor, Andra (Ann Morgan Guilbert) and waiting for her to die.
Guilbert is old, senile and cranky, and doesn't look like she's going anywhere anytime soon. She is cared for by her grand-daughter Rebecca (Rebecca Hall, donning a frumpy wardrobe, bad teeth and greasy hair). Amanda Peet plays her other grand-daughter, Mary, who could care less about her ailing grandmother.
Peet's relationship with Guilbert is the most authentic in the piece, and struck close to home, as all I could see in their correspondence was my relationship with my great-grandmother. Both speak their mind, no matter how rude, causing a huge clash and strain on Hall who attempts to make peace. I was Peet (which makes it even more awkward when Peet and Platt find themselves in some sexually uncomfortable positions).
Catherine Keener, fabulous as always, feels tremendous guilt for her success and doesn't seem to understand why her husband doesn't feel it as well. She carries her guilt on her sleeve and makes up for it by volunteering and handing out money to homeless on the street (much to the chagrin of her daughter, played by Sarah Steele). She can't handle it though, and while she feels like she should give back, she has a hard time actually doing so. Holofcener has written a beautiful disaster for Keener and it's entertaining to watch her unravel from the safety of the audience.
The characters have little to no arcs, but this film isn't about change. It is instead about being a fly on the wall and watching the intersecting lives of a handful in New York. The characters are compelling, and while of course we want them to change, it is not so unsatisfying to see them end precisely where they started.
Overall, I recommend seeing it if you're feeling something a bit off beat that will make you think. The performances and production value are strong and at 95 minutes, it's a quick glimpse into a life that isn't your own.
Please give this movie a chance, it might be a better option than the traditional summer fare.
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