AFTER THE WEDDING – A Review by John Strange
What happens in our past can often come back upon us years later. Isabel (Michelle Williams) is happy running an orphanage in Kolkata. Always in need of money to do more for the kids, she is convinced to travel to New York City to meet with a benefactor to discuss a two million dollar grant.
Arriving in New York, the benefactor, Theresa (Julianne Moore), delays the decision until after her daughter’s wedding which is occurring that weekend. She invites Isabel to the wedding. At the wedding, Isabel realizes that Theresa’s husband, Oscar (Billy Crudup), and she have a shared history and that history is the real reason why Theresa had insisted that Isabel was required to come in person to discuss the money.
This film is a soap opera that is VERY slow to get any momentum going but once it does you are sort of steamrollered with emotions as the truth of the situation comes out and all affected parties react. Abby Quinn as daughter Grace does an excellent job.
The script is pretty tight for a film of this genre, revealing the news to each person slowly (and painfully). There are several levels to this story that make it complicated but very believable. The cast is well-chosen and each actor plays their part well.
For those of you who are prone to tears at sad or emotional films, snag a couple of napkins. This is a strong story filled with several social issues and hot buttons. The writer’s treatment of those social issues is very even and without overt judgment. It’s plot twists are not subtle but they are timed properly to advance the story smoothly. After The Wedding is a good strong B in my book.
Directed by: Bart Freundlich
Cast: Michelle Williams, Julianne Moore, Billy Crudup, Will Chase, Doris McCarthy, Abby Quinn, Azhy Robertson, Alex Esola, Alex Cranmer, Eisa Davis, Susan Blackwell, Eric D. Hill Jr., Mackenzie Owens, Jeff Kim, Greta Quispe
MPAA Rating: PG-13 (for thematic material and some strong language)
Selig Rating: B
Runtime: 112 Min.
Movie Site: www.sonyclassics.com/afterthewedding/
The Selig Rating Scale:
A – Excellent movie, well worth the price.
B – Good movie
C – OK movie
D – No need to rush. Save it for a rainy day.
F – Good that I saw it on the big screen but wish I hadn’t paid for it.
