WATCH THE TRAILER HERE
First, the Recap:
Change. When life is settled and in balance, many of us resist anything that would upset that equilibrium. Once tested in that resolve, we rebel, we fight, we push away modifications to our lives in a struggle to put things the way they were. Sometimes, however, life has other plans. Precocious but level-headed 10-year old Charlotte (Natalie Coughlin) isn’t accepting of a new, unanticipated six month arrangement her mother Marie (Natascha McElhone) has made for them–taking on a house cook, Henry Joseph Church (Eddie Murphy). Opposing any openness to his presence, much less the exquisite meals he prepares every day, Charlotte’s attitude towards him slowly begins to warm, as his affable nature, interest in books, and compassionate care of her beloved, secretly ailing mother wins her over.
However, when things take a turn for the worse, even if ultimately expected, a now growing up Charlotte (Britt Robertson) moreso turns towards Mr. Church for understanding, comfort, and the further strengthening friendship they share. Yet, Charlotte begins to realize more and more that, despite their closeness, she knows little about him, to the point of asking but getting stonewalled at every attempt. Leaving well enough alone, Charlotte’s life takes her away from California to school in Boston, but her bond with Mr. Church is never broken. Returning home, another unexpected turn having taken place for her, she reconnects and the two share a wealth of fresh experiences that will test them, their choices, and their pasts in order to discover that in the end, what we all truly need is family and love.
Next, my Mind:
An absolute tour-de-force about the value of friendships, the influence of our pasts, the power of family, and the unconditional surrender to accepting and giving love, director Bruce Beresford’s indie feature film will impact you with blunt force precision, hitting your heart and tapping the emotional powder keg multiple times over the course of the narrative. It speaks to the effect choices made can have while never shying away from showcasing the potential damage it can do holding onto internal pain instead of releasing it and finding a will to move on. Also deftly portrayed is the sway single, pivotal moments can have on our own life path as well as on those of others, and realizing there is such resonating truth knowing things do indeed happen for a reason. Brilliant writing accompanies all of this, making the impact complete.
Eddie Murphy unequivocally reinvents himself in a stunningly understated, persuasive, moving, dramatic performance as Mr. Church, a simple man with amazing culinary skills who not only revolutionizes the entire perception of life for one girl, but ultimately finds it within himself to finally face the demons of his own past as well. Murphy’s emotive delivery is filled with such intense purpose and drive, one would honestly forget his days as the foul-mouthed stand-up comic or Axel Foley. Robertson as the grown Charlotte is just as affecting, illustrating through her character’s actions how much actual significance and heartfelt meaning the relationship with Mr. Church has brought her, whether in joyous or heartbreaking times, and moments when she allows herself to recognize her influence on him is just amazingly potent in the finale.
Fantastic supporting turns from McElhone, Coughlin, Madison Wolfe, Lucy Fry, McKenna Grace, Xavier Samuel, and Christian Madsen among others aid in providing key figures involved in Charlotte and Mr. Church’s tale. In total, “Mr. Church” is indie drama done at it’s soul-stirring best, evoking the merit of what it is to be human, and reminding us of the truly important aspects of this existence that we should forever cherish.
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
