Review of Marion Bridge (2003) by Graham S — 14 Dec 2011

Delightfully light-handed re-working of the dysfunctional family movie. Marion Bridge is Molly Parker's film all the way, though the rest of the cast definitely holds their own. This is basically a quiet, character-driven story of redemption for three sisters whose alcoholic mother is dying, and who share a dark secret that is tearing the family apart-for all the typical reasons: shame, denial, blame, rage, and fear.

One of the virtues of this film is that it never once comes out and says what that secret is-we figure it out easily enough-even though it's not straightforward and predictable-just from watching the interactions of the characters (possibly an indication of just how many dysfunctional family films we've all seen by now!) But this is not one of those "ain't it awful," wallow in pain and despair melodramas-thank goodness.

Yes there is pain, and it is very convincingly portrayed by all the characters, with a fine amount of realism and nuance. Molly Parker is a queen of nuance, who can express more with one look than many actors express in a whole scene.

From fragile prodigal daughter, to trashy and brash alcoholic, to brave and intrepid family scapegoat and truth-teller, she transforms herself completely, and is completely believable-never "over-the-top," or campy, or stereotyped.

Ellen Page, at age 16, shows her prodigious potential here as well. The final 10 minutes are perfection. Listen carefully to the closing song. Not for shameless thrill-seekers, this is a slow, quiet movie-but very far from bleak.

Healing comes in quiet acts, not flashy ones-much like in real life. (Netflix).