A wonderful actress like Bette Davis is reason enough to see any of her films, most of them ranged between good to masterpiece and Davis seldom gave a bad performance (though she did do some projects that didn't use her talents well). Her Margo Channing in 'All About Eve', a favourite of mine, is iconic. Am hardly dismissing Gena Rowlands though, she's always worth watching if not in the same league as Davis.
'Strangers: The Story of a Mother and Daughter' is a must see for both actresses and should have more exposure and be seen more. It is great though that it is remembered and reviewed so fondly. Both Davis and Rowlands are more than well served here, and the treatment of such a relatable and hard-hitting subject matter is both sensitive and poignant, not the easiest of watches by all means but this is meant in a good way.
Davis shows how truly great an actress she was in an initially cranky yet very heartfelt performance. Some of her best work in the later years of her long career and her Emmy win was richly deserved. Rowlands is also very moving, she seldom had a role as poignant as the one she has in 'Strangers: The Story of a Mother and Daughter'. The two have a charming and affecting chemistry together and their relationship and characters have such a realism and make the story even more compelling and emotionally impactful.
It is easy though to overlook the rest of the cast, and while it is the two leads' show they shouldn't be, all giving performances that complement nicely. 'Strangers: The Story of a Mother and Daughter' is sympathetically directed and paced in a way that never feels rushed or draggy.
The writing is sensitive and thought-provoking and the story is lifted by the relationship between Davis and Rowlands and is charming and poignant. As said, it is not the easiest of watches but that works in 'Strangers: The Story of a Mother and Daughter's' favour, showing a realistic treatment of the subject and not trivialising it while not going over-sentimental. The characters are relatable and avoid being clichéd.
Visually, 'Strangers: The Story of a Mother and Daughter' looks lovely, never being too flashy while not looking like something hindered by budget.
Overall, a beautiful emotional story carried by the superb performances of Rowlands and especially Davis. 10/10 Bethany Cox
'Strangers: The Story of a Mother and Daughter' is a must see for both actresses and should have more exposure and be seen more. It is great though that it is remembered and reviewed so fondly. Both Davis and Rowlands are more than well served here, and the treatment of such a relatable and hard-hitting subject matter is both sensitive and poignant, not the easiest of watches by all means but this is meant in a good way.
Davis shows how truly great an actress she was in an initially cranky yet very heartfelt performance. Some of her best work in the later years of her long career and her Emmy win was richly deserved. Rowlands is also very moving, she seldom had a role as poignant as the one she has in 'Strangers: The Story of a Mother and Daughter'. The two have a charming and affecting chemistry together and their relationship and characters have such a realism and make the story even more compelling and emotionally impactful.
It is easy though to overlook the rest of the cast, and while it is the two leads' show they shouldn't be, all giving performances that complement nicely. 'Strangers: The Story of a Mother and Daughter' is sympathetically directed and paced in a way that never feels rushed or draggy.
The writing is sensitive and thought-provoking and the story is lifted by the relationship between Davis and Rowlands and is charming and poignant. As said, it is not the easiest of watches but that works in 'Strangers: The Story of a Mother and Daughter's' favour, showing a realistic treatment of the subject and not trivialising it while not going over-sentimental. The characters are relatable and avoid being clichéd.
Visually, 'Strangers: The Story of a Mother and Daughter' looks lovely, never being too flashy while not looking like something hindered by budget.
Overall, a beautiful emotional story carried by the superb performances of Rowlands and especially Davis. 10/10 Bethany Cox