IN THE 80’S, THEY SAID LOVE WAS A BATTLEFIELD… THEY WERE RIGHT.

In 1980s New Jersey, a waitress (Gena Rowlands) is enjoying her affair with a man (Ben Gazzara) while her grumpy daughter (Uma Thurman) tries to find someone to love. Director Mira Nair’s first TV movie relies heavily on its cast, which feels like a necessity because the writing is fairly clichéd. There’s hope and despair in the story about working-class women who are looking for security and comfort; in the end, the relationships they embark on lead to little but heartache. We learn that one should treasure what one has, but the greatest thing about this film is Thurman’s heartbreaking performance. 

2002-U.S. Made for TV. 100 min. Color. Directed by Mira Nair. Teleplay, Play: Laura Cahill. Cast: Uma Thurman (Debby Miller), Gena Rowlands (Virginia Miller), Juliette Lewis (Beth), Ben Gazzara, Justin Chambers.

Emmys: Outstanding Supporting Actor (Gazzara), Supporting Actress (Rowlands). Golden Globe: Best Actress (Thurman). 

AVERAGE

IMDb