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Blackbird now on Blu-ray & DVD

fd4f5304-a06f-49b9-a7d5-4f5a3257851dCommentary: Eight actors, a powerful narrative, and fluid dialogue make BLACKBIRD a heartfelt film to watch. A subject that few want to engage with, our own mortality and how we spend our last days, is the backbone of this remake of the 2014 Danish film ‘Silent Heart’. This one is helmed by Susan Sarandon and Sam Neil who are flanked by the versatile supporting cast of Kate Winslet, Rainn Wilson, and Mia Wasikowska, It was as if they handpicked them from my own personal onscreen faves. (continued below)

Synopsis: Lily (Susan Sarandon) and Paul (Sam Neill) summon their loved ones to their beach house for one final gathering after Lily decides to end her long battle with ALS on her own terms. The couple is planning a loving weekend complete with holiday traditions, but the mood becomes strained when unresolved issues surface between Lily and her daughters Jennifer (Kate Winslet) and Anna (Mia Wasikowska). Joining the collective farewell are Lily’s son in law (Rainn Wilson), her lifelong friend (Lindsay Duncan), daughter’s partner (Bex Taylor-Klaus) and grandson (Anson Boon). Her story is ultimately one of hope, love and a celebration of life.

Exclusive nationwide cinema premiere on September 14th & September 15th. In Additional Select Theaters and On Demand September 18


(Continued) A film like this needs to be handled delicately and director Roger Michell keeps the subject matter prominent but also allows the characters to breathe and deal with the emotion organically. It never feels forced or rehearsed. Sure there are cliche comments but any of us who have set around with family knows that most of what we say is superficial and cliche. People aren’t sure what to say or not to say in these situations and that is felt here. No one has any answers. There is pain and laughter and hurt feelings. Real life is a balance of the ugly and the beautiful and see both here. Family is hard. Family and death is near impossible to navigate.

The cinematography and framing makes you think of a wonderful stage play. All the characters move about within the shot seamlessly from back to front depending on who the focus is. But they are all there. Present without overpowering. This too makes the movie relaxed and inviting in spite of the subject matter. Often I felt like I was spying on some very private moments reserved for immediate family. In these moments people love to tell stories and reflect on the past. There are several of these moments here for us to observe.

You will sad cry, happy cry, and smile more often than you think as you watch this family come work through their emotions. One of my favorite scenes is short but very moving and involves Lily and her grandson decorating the tree. It felt honest and unscripted. Needless to say this is one of my favorite films of the year and I give an A-. It is rated R for language, some drug use and brief sexual material but adult audiences will find nothing offensive about it. Look for it OnDemand Sept 18th.

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