I Netflixed this film and watched it on a rainy Sunday. I can’t say that it did anything to lift my spirits, but it truly is a wonderful film.

Fiona (Julie Christie) is slowly losing her mind to Alzheimer’s while her husband Grant (Gordon Pinsent) can do nothing but watch. The couple decide that a care center is best and Grant struggles through the thought of admitting his wife of forty years and only seeing her during visitor’s hours. This sad story is punctuated by Christie’s poignant performance as the carefree and sometimes wild Fiona, who slips in and out of clarity, yet is always her unique self. She is quiet in her performance as she portrays the loss of dignity that one goes through during Alzheimer’s. Embarrassed when she can’t remember the word for “wine” and confused as to why Iceland is significant to her (it’s where her parents are from), Christie is memorable as a woman who is slipping away. Guaranteed to be a tearjerker, be prepared when you watch this film, as it does not go easy on the sentimental.

Nominations:

Best Actress – Julie Christie
Christie is stunning as Fiona and truly carries the film. Though rivaled closely by the equally fantastic Marion Coutillard, I think Christie has the edge on this category. Her performance is like a fine wine- aged to perfection.

Best Adapted Screenplay
Sarah Polley got some early attention with her direction for the film, but I’m glad to see her recognized in this category instead. She adapted a sad little short story (which you can read here, courtesy of the New Yorker) into a beautifully touching film, which is not an easy task. Though her script will be dwarfed by heavy hitters There Will Be Blood and No Country for Old Men in this category, I was very happy to see her name amongst the nominees.