Marianne Jean-Baptiste has been getting rapturous praise for her portrayal of a continually cranky woman. No matter the situation, her character manages to complain and assault almost anyone who comes into contact with her. This results in a desolate, doomed family life, as opposed to the happy relationships of her sister and nieces. Writer/director Mike Leigh is known for his deep character studies and this one takes matters to the extreme. Even though there are slight glimpses of the reasons for her damaged personality, Leigh decided to eschew any sort of grand reconciliation. This is an uncomfortable watch…one that hinges on the studied acting. Anyone hoping for warmth will find it a bleak disappointment. Sorry, I think a movie needs to offer more than scathing performances to create empathy, much less entertain. 
(2.5 / 5)
