Evening - movie review

Every once in awhile you can find a good romance film at the theatre. I am not talking about a romanic comedy filled with contrivances and weak motivations. I am talking about a proper romance film that includes the joy, ecstacy, vulnerability, loss and sadness that love can bring. Often these films are adapted from literature and often they are period pieces. Evening is such a film.


Evening is a flashback piece. Ann Grant lays daying under the watchful eyes of her daughters. In a moment of memory-filled pain she mentions "Harris" - a name that means nothing to her children. From this moment the story unveils the history of Ann and Harris and how their love for each other changed their lives and those around them. Woven between the scenes of nostalgia is the tales of Ann's daughters - notably Nina (Toni Collette) - as they confront the loss of their mother and their own love challenges. For all involved, the film represents a tale of finding oneself in love and what that means to the relationships that women have in their lives.

Evening has a dreamlike quality that is fueled by both deathbed delusions and seaside memories. And although the editing between the worlds is not always at its best the time-shifting pace eventually becomes less intrusive. What it most exceptional about the film is the performances. A truly wonderful cast has been assembled that includes: Claire Danes, Toni Collette, Lynn Redgrave, Natashe Richardson and Meryl Streep. Add to this mix the crushworthy Hugh Dancy and Patrick Wilson and you have a two hours of pure magic. And although the film is not everyone's cup of tea it is sure to satisfy any romantic's bittersweet tooth. If you enjoyed other sentimental treats such as: How to Make an America Quilt, Sense & Sensibilty and The Joy Luck Club then add this Evening to your day.