WATCH THE TRAILER HERE
First, the Recap:
Whether we want to or not, everyone has to face the cruel taskmaster that is time. Seeing ourselves age is one of the primary points of contention in our minds, and having to deal with the ramifications of growing old hits us with that lingering sense of loneliness or perhaps a strangely calming, “I’m not worried about it” demeanor. Such is the case with Carol Petersen (Blythe Danner), whose loss of her husband years prior has given way to a simple and very much routine-filled daily existence, whether enjoying a glass of wine, or playing cards with friends Georgina (June Squibb), Sally (Rhea Perlman), and Rona (Mary Kay Place). But then, an unforeseen circumstance shakes up Carol’s world.
Coping but struggling inside, another event brings her pool man, Lloyd (Martin Starr), into her world in a much more profound way than either could ever anticipate, and Carol finds herself experiencing a revived, “younger” life through her bond with him. Adding to this is another sudden involvement with Bill (Sam Elliott), a humble and sophisticated man she meets and begins a whirlwind romance with, much to the delight of her friends. The final piece is found in a visit by Carol’s daughter Katherine (Malin Akerman), who balks at her mother’s stubbornness yet revels at her newfound vitality. But, life is always unpredictable, and navigating its many joys and hurts becomes a process that Carol experiences during this highly emotional and questioning time while facing her own mortality.
Next, my Mind:
In only his second full-length feature film, director Brett Haley delivers a whimsical, graceful, yet realistically compelling and persuasive look at the whole concept of how we see being older or growing older, and the effect it has when faced with circumstances that challenge us thusly. Danner completely brings her veteran acting chops to bear as Carol, playing her as the simple, intelligent, yet inwardly conflicted woman, whose fresh experiences in both love and loss truly shape the person she is becoming during these twilight years. Starr also shines as Lloyd, a younger man with his own issues of not moving forward in life, unintentionally finding a kindred spirit in Carol, and therefore discovering a new motivation and direction to aim for.
And then there is the awesomeness that is Sam Elliott who, despite his often tough guy-based characters, can truly play the soft-spoken everyman with such amazing ease, and he does here as Bill. Immediately likeable, the chemistry between Bill and Carol is just plain sexy, most certainly taking her by total surprise, as she never pictured being so enamored by someone again. The supporting cast of Squibb, Perlman, and Place as Carol’s friends was equally perfect, and the sequence involving the medical marijuana hinted at in the film’s trailers truly doesn’t do justice to the hilarity that unfolds. In total, “I’ll See You In My Dreams” is one of those smart, adult drama/comedies that makes you laugh, cry, and engage with each character so well, perhaps because we see ourselves and our own lives in them.
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
