A rebellious teenager in New Zealand, Sam, is sent to take care of his
estranged, alcoholic grandmother, Ruth, a former war photographer. Despite a
rocky start, they gradually bond and realize they have more in common than they
thought. While the story of complicated family dynamics and personal growth is
familiar, the sharp dialogue and Charlotte Rampling's outstanding performance as
Ruth keep the film engaging.
The film presents Ruth's alcoholism non-judgmentally, and her nurse, Sara,
adds a nice touch to the family dynamic. The film's focus on Sam is less
compelling due to George Ferrier's underwhelming
performance. Despite being predictable, the film is enjoyable, thanks to the
solid direction and script by Matthew J. Saville. |