A family gathers for one final weekend before the matriarch (Susan Sarandon) ends her life due to a rapidly-approaching fatal illness. The early mildly-affectionate and quietly-detached mood escalates in the final few minutes toward the ultimate dissenting encounters. Even though the limited locations and dramatic interactions feel like a play, this is actually a remake of a Danish film Silent Heart. It features an impressive cast, including Kate Winslet and Mia Wasikowska as the daughters and San Neill as the husband. They all proceed with appropriate concern and apprehension. Their performances aren’t flawed, just not especially moving. This might be because of the neutral writing or detached direction. Either way, it’s an interesting drama that lacks any emotional heft.
Interesting side note: The beachside house that’s supposed to be The Hamptons is actually located next to Winslet’s own home on the South Coast of England.
(3 / 5)