Away From Her

(Becker/Dendy/Globe Films)

Run Time: 105 mins
Rating: M, Drama
Starring: Michael Murphy, Olympia Dukakis, Julie Christie, Gordon Pinsent
Directed by: Sarah Polley

Away From Her is an emotive story exploring the effects of Alzheimer’s disease on the lives of the Andersons, a couple who’s 44 year marriage appears initially to be the stuff of fairytales.

The story follows the plight of Grant Anderson (Gordon Pinsent) as the memory of his wife Fiona (Julie Christie) slowly gives ways to Alzheimer’s. As it slowly strains their relationship, bringing up buried memories from their past and tearing at their seemingly picture perfect marriage Grant is forced to put Fiona into a nursing home. After a painstaking 30 days Grant is finally allowed to visit his wife only to find she has forgotten him as her husband and pursued a relationship with another resident of the home, Aubrey (Michael Murphy). After Aubrey’s wife Miriam (Olympia Dukakis) takes him away Grant finds himself trying to restore the former happiness Aubrey imparted on Fiona as her condition worsens from depression.

Despite the setting and themes of the film it never becomes too depressing or sad, in fact Grant always has a spark of hope and this generally shines through in the film. The nursing home quickly moves away from its initial impression of a depressing place due in part to the role of Kristy (Kirsten Thomson), a nurse at the nursing home who becomes Grant’s support throughout the film. Through a mixture of the portrayal of hope in the characters and the scenery within the film the atmosphere manages to maintain a warm feeling that suggests all is not lost and love will prevail in the end.

However the film does also fall flat in many places, the characters do at times feel a little forced, and although they never fail to convince they never manage to fully push the emotion of the film. The warmth of the film further stunts this, although it remains generally positive the film would’ve been helped by taking this away at points to create the feeling of sadness the characters are clearly trying to show. The film also begins to drag on towards the end. Although it never becomes boring cutting the film down by at least 15 minutes would’ve helped it flow a little better. The story itself is told in a semi flashback style that is effective in displaying the devotion Grant has for his wife, however it also becomes slightly pointless towards the second half as even by the time story has fully explained why Grant is where he is the flashbacks continue.

Overall the film is of high quality, exploring the issues of Alzhiemers on a relationship. If you’re sick of mainstream Hollywood blockbusters and want something a little more caring look no further than Away from Her.

Rated: 4 out of 5 stars

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