Good evening (or substitute the appropriate time of day based on where you read this!) readers. As Saturday night in Ohio, USA comes to a close, I wanted to ensure I got my second new release review in for the day, again, thanks to the awesomeness that is On Demand, since local theaters here did NOT choose to be one of the 5 places that actually received this film to show. Limited release is a true indie film tradition, and that CAN also be the curse of it. However, thanks to cable providers giving us the OTHER paid option to utilize….as you have previously read….I take advantage! Therefore, I present to you…..”You’re Not You”.
SEE THE TRAILER HERE
Directed by George C. Wolfe (“Nights In Rodanthe“) and based on the novel by Michelle Wildgen, this Houston, Texas-based tale first introduces us to it’s lead character, Kate (Hilary Swank) and her husband Evan (Josh Duhamel) celebrating her 35th birthday at home, first alone, then together that evening with best friends. As stories are shared, a gift is given, and the party continues, ultimately Kate is asked to play piano, which is how we find she has previously been a concert classical artist. At the end of the piece, however, her right hand begins to show signs of mild muscle spasms. Fast forward to 18 months later, where we see Kate is now afflicted with the degenerative disorder ALS, and life has totally changed for her and Evan, with him having to take care of her in even the most routine of tasks. In the meantime, we then get introduced to a new character, Bec (Emmy Rossum) whom we see is a less than reliable source to give care to anyone but herself and her baser needs. Initially shown being late for an appointment, it is then revealed she is interviewing to become Kate’s new caregiver, something Evan is reluctant to agree with, given Bec’s college-dropout style and first impressions attitude. Kate takes her on, but the first attempts by Bec to do anything truly helpful or productive go awry, and it seems that the search will be on for ANOTHER caregiver. However, circumstances come about that bring Bec back unexpectedly into Kate’s life, and when an additional moment happens that brings Evan’s current choices into hurtful reality, Kate’s attempts to deal with it bring the two women closer together, as Bec starts to see that caring for another person can actually be rewarding and even therapeutic to her OWN life that she now sees could be so much more. This is all brought out even MORE as Kate learns about Bec’s true passions and interests. As the situation with Evan runs its course, Kate begins to slowly cope with the pain of it all by living life more than she ever has, thanks to Bec and HER newfound willingness and desire to TRULY help Kate. New friends are made, and Bec feels the best she ever has, despite her own challenges, good and bad, that try to disrupt what she is now experiencing, including an unexpected appearance by her parents, that threatens to undermine everything she has accomplished. As everything comes to a head, the age-old themes of love, acceptance, persevering, believing in yourself, and knowing what it is to help another in need come out in force, and this is the heart of the tale being told. Further details will bring about that most-feared of tools….SPOILERS….which as you all know by now….NOT happening here!
Honestly, folks, THIS film is yet another positive example of WHY indie films can so often trump bigger mainstream fare. I’ll say it again….it’s because all we have to rely on here as the viewer is that the writing and characters are engaging enough to carry the film, and this movie DOES that in FULL measure. I will preface this next part by giving full credit to the supporting cast here, as well as third co-star Duhamel, for there are several other veteran actors that make appearances and do a fine job. However….this effort truly belongs to its two leading ladies, and for me, it is a TOTAL HOME RUN. Hilary Swank is at her absolute BEST in playing this role. The reality of ALS and the devastating effects it has on those struck with it is COMPLETELY brought to life here, and I do NOT say that lightly or glibly. Swank’s performance is mesmerizing, as WE watch her character slowly succumb to all the various stages this illness brings. The acting is so raw in its delivery, that you cannot help but be totally invested in it. It’s so well done by Swank in fact, that you really don’t feel like you’re seeing a fictional case of this disease. Kate’s battle, both physically and emotionally, simply captures you, and that is again a total nod to Swank’s ability to portray something this powerful. And I have to say the same thing for Emmy Rossum, who infuses Bec with such carelessness and angst at first, that you find it hard to actually sympathize with her at all. That is until the watershed moment of transformation that occurs to bring Bec INTO not only her own reality, but Kate’s as well. And Rossum just excels at playing characters who you believe, and the personality and realism she brings to Bec and her plights is tangible and intense. You want to see Bec “fixed” of her OWN issues, even while we are engrossed in Kate’s story. The growth Bec experiences between the time we first meet her to the ending moments is also just as raw and personal as Kate’s, and Rossum is brilliant at playing this type of person. She can so be the wild child college student, but then turn around and be the girl next door. Suffice it to say, by the climax, and thanks to these two AMAZING actresses, I DEFY you NOT to be as emotionally deep into this as I was. A film WELL WORTH seeing, folks. That’s the long and short of it!
As always, this is all for YOUR consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
