Review of Wendy and Lucy (2008) by Steven P — 20 Mar 2009
Several of the comments I read on Time Out's review of this film suggested that it was, in effect, an overlong short film that would've benefited hugely from shaving an hour off the running time.
To me, that suggests the point has quite clearly been missed. There are large chunks of this film where nothing happens, where all we do is watch Wendy trudge listlessly across town, trying to get somewhere without taking all day or spending any money.
Possibly not the most exciting moments of cinema ever, but they're vital to the film in order to honestly portray what it's like to be her. That the film seems slow, or like it's treading water, at points is, I suspect, entirely deliberate.
It's an odd film really - massively depressing, with almost no glimmers of hope anywhere in it, and yet it left me feeling really glad I'd seen it. Michelle Williams is excellent and heartbreaking in a role that isn't showy, but allows her to inject so much subtext into her performance.
This review of Wendy and Lucy (2008) was written by Steven P on 20 Mar 2009.
Wendy and Lucy has generally received positive reviews.
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