BLACKBIRD (2019)

A terminally ill mother (Susan Sarandon) arranges to bring her family together one last time before she dies. A remake of the 2014 Danish film ‘Silent Heart’.

I don’t think this is a great movie but it’s certainly a good one and, as it draws to a close, it makes some moves that will be very controversial for some. Sarandon holds the whole thing together both as an actor and as the matriarch of the family, all of whom have their baggage to deal with. Maria Wasikowska is excellent as Anna who seems to be the only one in the family who is distressed at the idea that her mother is going to suicide to avoid her deteriorating medical condition. There’s the occasional humour but most of the story is pretty depressing and often very moving. The soundtrack is beautiful and sensitive and never overwhelms what is happening on the screen. Definitely worth a look with lots to discuss when the credits roll!

(In cinemas – check your local movie guide.)