Evening (2007)

What a wonderful movie this is! Although the movie appears to be about dying, it’s really about living and loving. I will not be surprised when it is nominated for several Oscars. The all-star cast of Venessa Redgrave, Meryl Streep, Clare Danes, Toni Colette, and Patrick Wilson along with Redgrave’s real-life daughter, Natasha Richardson and Streep’s real-life daughter, Mamie Gummer help to make this movie a powerfully emotional experience. The story meanders from present to past and back again many times weaving the fabric of a life lived in full – and all the heartache, happiness and regret that comes with doing so. This film tugs at the heart and has a great mix of complex characters with multifaceted relationships which compliments real life. A word of caution – If you’ve read the book by Susan Minot, I’ve heard this movie does not follow the book. But, what movie ever does? Oh, and last but not least, the setting is simply gorgeous!