Calling this movie a gem almost trivializes its achievement. Rarely do we see films get it right in the way this one does, so accurately portraying "ordinary" life as the resplendent thing it is. A masterful screenplay, incredible acting, filled with wonderful moments and lovely touches. It reminded me of a good Anne Tyler novel. Its one misstep (the immediate aftermath of Sammy's dinner with her boss) was redeemed by the quality of the acting and, later, we can wonder about Sammy's motivations. Regardless: this film is very funny and touching, and the almost-last scene which so many posters have referred to is as lovingly wrenching as can be. I won't accuse anyone with dry eyes that they have no humanity, but I would be tempted to check for a pulse.
I haven't gone into details of the plot because there isn't much of a plot, per se, so much as life inexorably unfolding. But there's nothing shambling about it. Also, I went to see it knowing nothing about it with a full house when it opened; I had probably the second-worst seat in the theater and couldn't care less. This is one of the great sleepers to date, right up there with DINER -- the sort of movie with no buzz whatsoever during production that comes in under the radar and blows everyone away. A triumph.
I haven't gone into details of the plot because there isn't much of a plot, per se, so much as life inexorably unfolding. But there's nothing shambling about it. Also, I went to see it knowing nothing about it with a full house when it opened; I had probably the second-worst seat in the theater and couldn't care less. This is one of the great sleepers to date, right up there with DINER -- the sort of movie with no buzz whatsoever during production that comes in under the radar and blows everyone away. A triumph.