(spoiler free)
You’d be forgiven for thinking that new romantic drama, ‘Home Again’ came from the mind of Woody Allen. A forty-year old single mother opening up her home to three young aspiring film-makers, mix in an estranged husband, a movie star mum and an award wining film director father and you seemingly have all the ingredients for an Allen flick. Nonetheless, it is instead the creation of first time director & screenwriter, Hallie Meyers-Shyer.
It’s clear to see that Meyers-Shyer has an appreciation for film & film-making. The inclusion of such elements within her own screenplay make this obvious. Whether it’s characters marveling over a film they all love or scenes in which the up and coming filmmakers meet with producers she consistently shows her passion for all things cinematic. This of course will appeal to most cinephiles watching, I at least find it hard to dislike films about films, especially when they are as charming as ‘Home Again’. The film also holds a wonderfully comedic atmosphere. It feels consistently natural throughout the film with a couple of really amusing highlights. More than this though this drama is heartfelt. With relationships, of many different kinds, always at the core of the movie it offers a wholesome vibe that it’s hard not to connect with.
Much of this atmosphere is thanks to Meyers-Shyer’s screenplay but her wonderful cast can’t go without a mention. Reese Witherspoon plays the lead role here, Alice. She’s a middle-aged single mother trying to juggle a recent relocation, new job and the ever challenging demands of family life. Witherspoon is effortlessly likeable in the role and a strong focal point for the film. The supporting cast all play their part too. The trio of young film-makers; Nate Wolff, Jon Rudnitsky & Pico Alexander have a wonderful chemistry with each other and the rest of the cast. Furthermore the remainder of the cast including Michael Sheen & Lake Bell contribute effectively too offering opportunities for comedy and emotion in equal measure.
‘Home Again’ is easy viewing but nonetheless a confident debut from Hallie Meyers-Shyer. The charismatic cast fuse with the entertaining writing creating an engaging and enjoyable drama. The narrative elements about film-making will be an added bonus for some viewers but even those without this passion of the directors should easily connect with the humour & heart constantly present in ‘Home Again’.
Written by Hamish Calvert
Rating – 8/10
Question: What is your favourite Reese Witherspoon film?
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