Ruth & Alex Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

An old couple debates stairs versus elevator while a maybe-terrorist inconveniences everyone.

🍿 Ruth & Alex: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Decision to Move

Ruth and Alex, a couple who have spent 40 years in their Brooklyn apartment, begin to consider moving due to the physical challenges of their fifth-floor walk-up. This decision is compounded by their aging dog’s health issues, prompting them to explore the possibility of selling their beloved home.

Navigating the Real Estate Market

With the help of Ruth’s niece, Lily, a real estate agent, they list their apartment and experience the chaotic world of open houses and potential buyers. The film captures the eccentric personalities and pressures of the New York real estate market, highlighting the emotional toll it takes on Ruth and Alex.

Flashbacks and Memories

Interwoven with the present-day challenges are flashbacks to Ruth and Alex’s early life, showcasing their interracial relationship and the obstacles they faced. These memories emphasize the deep bond they share and the history they’ve built in their apartment, making the decision to move even more difficult.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Ruth Carver (Diane Keaton): A retired teacher contemplating leaving her longtime apartment, reflecting on her interracial marriage and life with Alex.
• Alex Carver (Morgan Freeman): An artist facing the potential sale of his beloved studio apartment while grappling with aging and market value of his art.
• Lily Portman (Cynthia Nixon): Ruth’s niece and a determined real estate agent, eager to sell her aunt and uncle’s apartment for a substantial commission.
• Young Ruth (Claire van der Boom): Represents Ruth in flashbacks, showcasing her younger years and the beginning of her relationship with Alex.
• Young Alex (Korey Jackson): Represents Alex in flashbacks, depicting his early life and interracial romance with Ruth.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Alex Carver: “Who would have thought that the whole of my life’s work would be worth less than the room it was painted in?” – Alex reflects on the irony of the real estate value of their apartment overshadowing his artistic achievements.
• Ruth Carver: “I don’t like our lives being in the hands of someone else.” – Ruth expresses her discomfort with the uncertainty of selling their home and finding a new one.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $6,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $1,020,921
• Worldwide Gross: $3,679,847

💥 Ruth & Alex Reviews

Personal Review

I really enjoyed this movie. It felt like a gentle hug, watching Ruth and Alex navigate their lives. It reminded me of my grandparents and the comfortable rhythm they had. The open house scene was hilarious, and I loved how the flashbacks added depth to their relationship. It’s not a blockbuster, but it’s a heartwarming slice of life that left me feeling good.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Diane Keaton and Morgan Freeman”
  • “Viewers who enjoy character-driven dramas”
  • “Those interested in stories about aging and relationships”
  • “People who appreciate movies about New York City life”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Brief discussion of racial prejudice”
  • “Mild language”
  • “Themes of aging and illness (dog’s health)”

Professional Reviews

• IMDb: “Keaton and Freeman are great together, with strong chemistry. The movie is charming and sweet. However, the film is charming, and somewhat sweet, but nothing too memorable. Cynthia Nixon is also fantastic as well.
• IMDb: “Morgan Freeman hasn’t really been acting recently, but here he nails it. His chemistry with Diane Keaton is mind blowing, they are perfect for this roles. It’s just a real life beautiful movie about moving out from an apartment that they have been in for 40 years.

Audience Reactions

The chemistry between Diane Keaton and Morgan Freeman makes this film really shine.: Viewers appreciate the realistic portrayal of an aging couple’s life choices.

The film is often praised for its gentle humor and relatable characters.: Many find the open house scene particularly funny and memorable.

Overall Consensus: A heartwarming and gently humorous movie about an aging couple, but with a simple plot.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film is based on the novel ‘Heroic Measures’ by Jill Ciment, initially titled ‘Life Itself’ and then ‘Ruth and Alex’ before settling on ‘5 Flights Up’.”
• “The filmmakers chose Brooklyn, New York, for filming to capture the authentic feel of the city’s neighborhoods, especially Williamsburg.”
• “The subplot involving a potential terrorist attack was added to reflect the anxieties and tensions present in post-9/11 New York City.”

🖥️ How to Watch Ruth & Alex?

Currently, ‘Ruth & Alex’ (also known as ‘5 Flights Up’) is available for rent or purchase on various platforms like Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check your local listings for streaming options as availability may vary by region. Physical copies on DVD and Blu-ray can be found through online retailers, making it easy to own and rewatch this heartwarming drama.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Ruth & Alex, you might like these similar films:

• Love Is Strange (2014): Deals with an aging couple facing housing issues in New York City after unexpected life changes.
• The Savages (2007): Explores themes of aging, family relationships, and difficult decisions in later life.
• Amour (2012): A poignant and intimate portrayal of an elderly couple dealing with the challenges of aging and illness.

🛒 Ruth & Alex Related Products

• Ruth & Alex Movie Poster: A high-quality print capturing the essence of Ruth & Alex, perfect for movie rooms and collectors.
• Heroic Measures by Jill Ciment (Original Novel): Dive deeper into Ruth and Alex’s story with the original novel that inspired the film, featuring expanded details and character insights.
• Diane Keaton: The Un-silent Picture Book: A visual journey through Diane Keaton’s life, showcasing her personal style and reflections.
• The Shawshank Redemption (Blu-ray) [Morgan Freeman Film]: One of Morgan Freeman’s classic films on Blu-ray.

🎧 Soundtrack

Ruth & Alex features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Have I Told You Lately” – performed by Van Morrison

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

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This video from the Stokes Twins is super emotional. It’s about losing a parent and surprising their grandma, which didn’t go as planned. Grab some tissues, it’s a tearjerker, but definitely worth watching!

Falling In Reverse – “Ronald” (feat. Tech N9ne & Alex Terrible)

Whoa, this music video by Falling In Reverse is insane! It’s got awesome visuals and features Tech N9ne and Alex Terrible. Definitely give it a watch if you’re into heavy music and epic productions.

BRACES OFF‼️🥳 #reels #drshullman #shullmanorthodontics

Check out this quick but satisfying video of someone finally getting their braces off! It’s a little moment of pure joy and the before-and-after is pretty cool.

Douglas Murray explains what WOKE is in 3 minutes

This video is an opinionated discussion from Douglas Murray that gives a very interesting 3 minute explanation of WOKE culture. Regardless of your opinions, its worth a quick watch to get a better understanding of the overall view!

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