Cherish Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Stuck under house arrest for a crime a dancing stalker committed, a music-obsessed woman finds her quirky apartment prison surprisingly unlocks her inner detective (and maybe romance).

🍿 Cherish: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Caught in the Wrong Place

Zoe, a shy and fantasy-prone animator in San Francisco, finds solace in the love songs played on her favorite radio station. One evening, after drinking heavily with coworkers, she’s accosted by a stalker in her car. The stalker forces Zoe to drive, and during the struggle, her car hits and kills a police officer who attempts to intervene. The aggressor flees the scene, leaving Zoe behind.

Under House Arrest

Despite her pleas that she was forced into the situation, neither the police nor her lawyer fully believe Zoe’s account. Facing charges, she is placed under house arrest while awaiting trial, confined to a rundown apartment with an electronic ankle bracelet that limits her movement. Her confinement is monitored by Daly, a lonely corrections officer who develops a fascination with Zoe. Isolated and struggling to cope with her situation, Zoe begins to find creative ways to occupy her time within her limited space and starts building relationships with her neighbors and Daly.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Zoe (Robin Tunney): The fantasy-prone young woman unjustly accused of vehicular homicide and confined to house arrest.
• Daly (Tim Blake Nelson): The lonely parole officer assigned to monitor Zoe who becomes drawn to her.
• Stalker (Brad Hunt): The unseen man who carjacks Zoe, causes a fatal accident, and becomes her hidden tormentor.
• Max (Ricardo Gil): Zoe’s insightful neighbor in a wheelchair with whom she forms a bond while under house arrest.
• Therapist (Lindsay Crouse): A professional who attempts to counsel Zoe regarding her situation.
• Bell (Nora Dunn): Zoe’s skeptical defense lawyer tasked with representing her in court.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Zoe: “Escape.” – Said when asked why she loves music so much, highlighting her coping mechanism.
• Andrew: “I guess I trusted somebody before they earned it.” – Andrew reflects on the consequences of his encounter with the stalker.
• Daly: “You have a 57-foot radius.” – Daly explains the strict physical limitations imposed by Zoe’s ankle monitoring bracelet.
• Zoe: “Natasha on the radio.” – Zoe uses her radio alias when calling the station, indicating her escape into a fantasy world.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $1,500,000
• Domestic Gross: $179,751
• Worldwide Gross: $179,751

💥 Cherish Reviews

Personal Review

Wow, I stumbled onto this movie and it was such a pleasant surprise! Robin Tunney is absolutely captivating as Zoe; I instantly felt for her weird, music-loving character and was totally rooting for her throughout. The blend of quirky comedy, unexpected romance with Tim Blake Nelson’s character, and the underlying thriller element was just perfect. It felt so unique and didn’t fit neatly into one box. And the MUSIC! It’s practically a character itself. The way they wove those ’80s songs into Zoe’s story and emotional state was brilliant. That scene where she’s just existing in her apartment with the music playing really stuck with me. Definitely a hidden gem worth seeking out!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of independent cinema”
  • “Viewers who appreciate quirky or offbeat films”
  • “Audiences interested in character-driven stories”
  • “Those who enjoy films with strong, memorable soundtracks (especially 70s/80s pop)”
  • “Fans of Robin Tunney or Tim Blake Nelson”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Depiction of crime and violence (vehicular homicide)”
  • “Stalking and obsession themes”
  • “Protagonist under house arrest/confinement”
  • “Self-inflicted injury (breaking foot)”
  • “Female nudity (brief, specifically mentioned as ‘side boob’ in tags)”

Professional Reviews

• Synthesized from User Reviews: “”Cherish” is a charmingly offbeat indie flick featuring a standout performance by Robin Tunney as a woman under house arrest. The film cleverly blends romantic comedy, thriller, and drama, anchored by a fantastic, character-driven soundtrack of ’80s pop hits. While the plot has its inconsistencies, the unique tone, strong lead chemistry with Tim Blake Nelson, and engaging use of music make it a highly watchable and memorable experience.
• Synthesized from User Reviews: “Finn Taylor’s “Cherish” might not work on every level, but its energy and unique perspective shine through. Robin Tunney is excellent, navigating her character’s confinement with humor and depth. The film’s strength lies in its eccentric characters and the integral role of its retro soundtrack, which adds layers of meaning and nostalgia. Despite a somewhat implausible plot, it’s a refreshing antidote to mainstream fare.

Audience Reactions

Viewers loved the unique blend of genres and quirky charm.: Most people praised Robin Tunney’s performance and the standout use of the 80s pop soundtrack as being central to the movie’s appeal and mood.

Overall Consensus: A quirky and engaging independent film praised for its lead performance, unique tone, and memorable soundtrack, despite some plot inconsistencies.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “A scene depicting Zoe masturbating out of boredom was originally planned but cut because Robin Tunney’s father objected.”
• “The film is dedicated ‘For Gary’ before the end credits.”
• “The movie contains references to the classic stalker thriller ‘Play Misty for Me’ (1971).”

🖥️ How to Watch Cherish?

As an independent film released in 2002, ‘Cherish’ may be available for rent or purchase on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu. Availability on subscription streaming services can vary over time, so it’s best to check current listings on these major platforms or services like JustWatch.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Cherish, you might like these similar films:

• Run Lola Run (1998): Features a female protagonist in a fast-paced, visually dynamic race against time, similar to Cherish’s energy and style.
• Play Misty for Me (1971): Explores the theme of obsession and stalking, providing a classic thriller comparison to the antagonist’s behavior in Cherish.
• High Fidelity (2000): Music plays a central role, not just as a soundtrack but as a character and a major coping mechanism, similar to Zoe’s reliance on music.
• Rear Window (1954): Centers on a confined protagonist observing the outside world from a limited space, leading to the unraveling of a mystery.
• Amelie (2001): Features a quirky, fantasy-prone female protagonist who finds unique ways to interact with the world around her, despite feelings of isolation.
• About a Boy (2002): An independent film released around the same time with a focus on character development, relationships, and an offbeat tone.

🛒 Cherish Related Products

• Cherish Original Motion Picture Soundtrack: Download or stream the eclectic and memorable soundtrack featuring classic ’80s pop hits and indie tracks central to the film’s atmosphere.
• Retro Wired On-Ear Headphones: Stylish headphones with a retro design, perfect for listening to classic tracks just like Zoe does throughout her confinement in the film.
• Best of 80s Pop Music Compilation: A curated collection of iconic pop songs from the 1980s, similar to the style featured heavily in the movie’s soundtrack.
• Cherish Digital Movie Rental or Purchase: Own or rent the film digitally to re-watch favorite scenes, appreciate the visual style, and immerse yourself in Zoe’s world anytime.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “Cherish” – performed by The Association
• “Private Eyes” – performed by Hall & Oates
• “Tainted Love” – performed by Soft Cell
• “I’m Not In Love” – performed by 10cc
• “Melt With You” – performed by Modern English
• “Free Fallin'” – performed by Tom Petty
• “Songs featured” – performed by Noe Venable

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Cherish every moment with those you love.

Looking for a powerful reminder of the heart of The Big C? This short clip beautifully captures the show’s main message and will definitely make you think about cherishing your own loved ones.

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