Killing Eleanor

Saw this at a festival and immediately watched it again when it was released. I laughed and cried. It really hit home. I highly recommend, especially if you've struggled with addiction.

This movie is a very interesting one. It has a great premise and some great actors, but I think some of the choices with production and direction just didn't work. I think the intriguing relationship between our two protagonists- a drug addict who can't get her life together and an elderly woman in a lot of pain who wishes to die- just doesn't come together because the film is hindered by a very serious dramatic tone and music that can make some scenes feel quite forced like a soap opera or an after-school special. Because of this overly dramatic tone, there is a serious disconnect that occurs between the viewer and the film that makes these characters hard to relate to or root for despite their very human story.

I loved this indie film about two complicated, damaged, lonely women who are forced to share the most significant journey of their lives. Having burned bridges and defied norms, they are each alone and find themselves needing a completely unlikeable stranger to depend on. The film goes from dark humor to bright insight, and it brought tears and laughter.

Marks and O'Hara each create full complicated characters and support each other's work perfectly. The rest of the cast is remarkable for its individual and group performances. The family confrontation, the salon introduction, and both AA group scenes were wonderful ensemble performances.

The look and feel is perfectly constructed by director Newey and his exceptional crew.

I highly recommend this film!!

If you're in the mood for a well-paced, emotionally evocative drama that doesn't pander and isn't cloyingly sweet, you can't do better than this. On top of that it's highly entertaining, at least for viewers who can appreciate a film dealing with a dark subject in an obliquely lighthearted way.

Writer slash star Annika Marks does a brilliant job in both categories, playing a complex, troubled character struggling to right her capsized ship of a life. An unexpected visit from a desperate old woman tired of living launches them on a journey that forces our heroine to confront her own demons. Along the way we're treated to a steady stream of intelligent, droll humor as the two main characters stumble as best they can towards the finish line.

Marks' husband Rich Newey does a masterful job as director. The casting, acting, cinematography and editing are flawless. The soundtrack is a bonus, loaded with great songs that fit the story perfectly.

Every aspect of this film is Oscar worthy, and in a perfect world it would have been nominated in multiple categories.

Smug drug addict who stole money from an old lady 15 years ago now has to repay her by killing her. How did the old lady even figure out where that other lady worked? They hadn't even seen each other in 15 years, and she spent half that time in a nursing home.

The two main characters spent one hour just going around in circles. Absolute drivel and a waste of time.