Away from Her Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A husband deals with his wife’s Alzheimer’s by helping her have an affair with another nursing home patient, because love is weird.

🍿 Away from Her: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Onset of Alzheimer’s

Grant and Fiona Anderson, a long-married couple living a comfortable life in rural Ontario, face a stark reality when Fiona begins to experience memory lapses. These lapses escalate, leading to a diagnosis of probable Alzheimer’s disease. Fiona, with a surprising level of acceptance, makes the difficult decision to enter Meadowlake, a long-term care facility.

Thirty Days of Separation

Meadowlake enforces a strict policy: no visitors for the first thirty days of a patient’s admission. This is intended to help the new residents adjust to their environment. Grant struggles with this separation, as he and Fiona have been inseparable for decades. The film poignantly portrays his anxiety and loneliness during this period.

A Shift in Affections

When Grant is finally allowed to visit Fiona, he’s devastated to find that she no longer recognizes him. Instead, she has formed a deep bond with Aubrey, a mute, wheelchair-bound resident. Grant is forced to grapple with the painful reality of his wife’s altered state and the unexpected transfer of her affections.

The Dilemma of Love and Loss

Grant struggles with jealousy and confusion, questioning whether Fiona’s condition is a subconscious punishment for his past infidelities. He observes Fiona’s happiness with Aubrey, leading him to a profound realization: her well-being is paramount, even if it means sacrificing his own happiness. This sets in motion a series of complex decisions that test the boundaries of love and commitment.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Fiona Anderson (Julie Christie): A woman coping with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease who forms a close bond with another patient in her care facility.
• Grant Anderson (Gordon Pinsent): Fiona’s devoted husband who struggles to cope with her declining memory and her affection for another man.
• Aubrey (Michael Murphy): A mute, wheelchair-bound patient at Meadowlake who becomes the object of Fiona’s affection, causing conflict for Grant.
• Marian (Olympia Dukakis): Aubrey’s wife, who develops a complex relationship with Grant as their spouses form a bond.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Fiona: “I think all we can aspire to in this situation is a little bit of grace.” – Fiona expresses her acceptance of her condition and hopes for handling it with dignity.
• Fiona: “Never let a person make you feel guilty for your anger with God.” – Fiona reads from a book, reflecting her acceptance of complex emotions in difficult circumstances.
• Grant: “It’s a strange world.” – Grant frequently uses this phrase to express his bewilderment and adjustment to the changing circumstances of his and Fiona’s lives due to Alzheimer’s.

💰Box Office

• Budget: CA$4,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $4,571,521
• Worldwide Gross: $9,194,283

💥 Away from Her Reviews

Personal Review

I was completely floored by ‘Away from Her’. It’s one of those movies that stays with you for days. Julie Christie’s performance is incredible – you can feel her confusion and frustration so deeply. The scene where Grant first visits Fiona after the 30-day separation and she doesn’t recognize him? Gut-wrenching! I loved how it explores the complexities of love and commitment in the face of such a devastating disease.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of independent films and character-driven dramas”
  • “Viewers interested in stories about relationships and aging”
  • “Those who appreciate nuanced and emotionally resonant narratives”
  • “Audiences who enjoy films with strong performances and thought-provoking themes”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Deals with sensitive subject matter including Alzheimer’s disease and institutionalization.”
  • “Contains mature themes and emotional distress.”
  • “Brief references to infidelity.”
  • “May be emotionally challenging for viewers with personal experience of Alzheimer’s or dementia.”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “Polley’s directorial debut is a mature, sensitive exploration of love and loss. Christie and Pinsent deliver powerhouse performances that will stay with you long after the credits roll. The quiet, deliberate pacing allows for deep emotional resonance.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “Julie Christie shines as a woman grappling with Alzheimer’s, while Gordon Pinsent is heartbreaking as her devoted husband. ‘Away from Her’ is a poignant and thought-provoking drama that lingers in the memory.

Audience Reactions

Julie Christie’s performance is absolutely stunning, capturing the essence of living with Alzheimer’s.: Viewers praise the film’s realistic portrayal of Alzheimer’s and the emotional performances of the lead actors.

The movie made me think about love and commitment in a totally new way.: Many found the film deeply moving and thought-provoking, especially regarding the nature of long-term relationships.

Overall Consensus: ‘Away from Her’ is a critically acclaimed drama praised for its sensitive portrayal of Alzheimer’s, strong performances, and thought-provoking exploration of love and loss.

Awards

1. Golden Globe (Best Actress – Motion Picture Drama)- 2008

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Julie Christie initially turned down the script multiple times before finally accepting the role, won over by Sarah Polley’s persistence.”
• “The film is based on the short story ‘The Bear Came Over the Mountain’ by Alice Munro, which Sarah Polley adapted for the screen.”
• “Sarah Polley’s personal experiences with her own family members’ experiences with dementia heavily influenced her direction of the film, lending authenticity and sensitivity to the portrayal.”

🖥️ How to Watch Away from Her?

Away from Her is available for streaming and purchase on various platforms. You can find it on Amazon Prime Video to rent or buy. It’s also available on Apple TV. Check your local cable provider for on-demand options, as availability may vary. Some libraries may also offer the film for borrowing on DVD.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Away from Her, you might like these similar films:

• The Father (2020): It provides a disorienting and immersive portrayal of dementia from the perspective of the person experiencing it, much like ‘Away from Her’ explores the impact on loved ones.
• Amour (2012): It sensitively depicts an elderly couple coping with the wife’s declining health after a stroke, echoing the themes of love, caregiving, and the challenges of aging in ‘Away from Her’.
• Iris (2001): Based on the memoirs of John Bayley, the movie chronicles his marriage to the author Iris Murdoch and details her battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
• Still Alice (2014): A linguistics professor’s early-onset Alzheimer’s forces her and her family to confront their identities and relationships, similar to the introspective journey in ‘Away from Her’.

🛒 Away from Her Related Products

• Away From Her [Blu-ray]: Experience the critically acclaimed film in stunning high definition, with bonus features offering insights into the making of the movie.
• Away From Her (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack): Relive the emotional journey of the film with its haunting and beautiful soundtrack, featuring tracks by Neil Young and k.d. lang.
• The Bear Came Over the Mountain by Alice Munro: Read the short story that inspired Away From Her.
• Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease: A Guide for Families: A comprehensive guide to understanding Alzheimer’s, offering practical advice and support for families affected by the disease.

🎧 Soundtrack

Away from Her features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Harvest Moon” – performed by Neil Young
• “Helpless” – performed by k.d. lang

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Jesus mocked on the cross – #crucifixion #crucified #jesus #cross #crucificado #crucifixión

Ever wondered what the crucifixion of Jesus actually looked like? This short video gives you a glimpse, and honestly, it’s pretty intense and thought-provoking.

Tears For Fears – Head Over Heels

This song is a CLASSIC, and if you’re a fan of the movie, you’ve probably heard it before! Check out the music video, it’s so 80s and kinda mesmerizing!

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