Film

Away From Her (2006)

Director: Sarah Polley

Movie review

From Time Out London

A welcome re-release for actress Sarah Polley’s directorial debut that’s timed to coincide with the various awards nominations that Julie Christie has received for her impressive turn in this sensitive, literate drama.

Christie is Fiona, a Canadian septuagenarian who has the early stages of Alzheimers and decides with her husband, Grant (Gordon Pinsent) that it would be best for everyone if she moved into a care home. Polley adapted her script from a short story by Alice Munro and offers a pleasing, unfashionable portrait of old age and sexuality as Fiona, with an ever-looser grip on reality, falls in love with a fellow resident  (Michael Murphy).

Polley’s portrayal of dementia is well-considered and the film’s suggestion that past grievances may emerge in later mental illness is as intriguing as the accompanying sense that liberal attitudes of the ’60s have come to haunt this bookish couple.