Away from Her

Away from Her (2006) is a poignant and sensitive exploration of enduring love tested by the cruel progression of Alzheimer's disease. Directed by Sarah Polley in her debut feature film, the movie presents a profound account of painful acceptance, poignant sacrifice, coming to terms with change, and profound emotions. The movie stars acting veterans Julie Christie, Gordon Pinsent, and Michael Murphy, illuminating the screen with performances that masterfully capture the nuanced struggle of love and memory.

In a central role that earned her an Academy Award nomination, Julie Christie portrays Fiona, an intelligent, vivacious woman in her later years who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Her performance as a woman whose memory is gradually abandoning her is both striking and deeply affecting, evoking a profound melancholy that arrives with the onset of dementia. Christie expertly depicts the paradox of mental decline, where glimpses of old vibrancy and vivacity flicker in and out, pushing away or pulling in those who love her.

Gordon Pinsent gives a heart-wrenching portrayal of Fiona's devoted husband, Grant. The couple has shared an intensely loving and complex marital life, marked by infidelities and their reconciliation. With his wife's condition worsening, Grant must come to terms with the painful reality of witnessing his life partner, the woman he has loved unconditionally, slowly drift “away from him”, forgetting their shared past and even his existence. The emphasis of the film is not merely on Fiona's struggle with Alzheimer's, but equally on Grant's battle with painful acceptance, highlighting a lesser-explored perspective and making the narrative incredibly immersive and emotionally resonant.

Adding more complexity to their already strained relationship is the entrance of a new man, Aubrey, portrayed by Michael Murphy, in Fiona’s life. Aubrey becomes the object of Fiona's affection in her care home, which Grant has to accept as another harsh reality of his wife's fading memories. Through these interactions, the movie subtly questions the conventional understanding of love, loyalty, and possessiveness, thereby provoking the audiences to re-evaluate their own notions of these profound emotions.

Set against the backdrop of the breathtakingly beautiful winter landscape of Ontario, Canada, Away from Her captures the icy stillness, justifying its symbolic representation of frozen time, fading memories, and cold estrangement. The dialogues are poetic, and the silences between them are hauntingly eloquent. Polley's direction proves that an unsettling topic like Alzheimer's disease can be handled with a soft touch and sensitive portrayal, making the shadowed journey of life appear both beautiful and tragic simultaneously.

The film's grace lies in its quiet contemplation and unflinching gaze on the intricate facets of human relationships – like love, infidelity, and sacrifice. Polley manages to steer clear of excessive sentimentality or melodrama that often accompanies stories of deterioration, instead choosing a dignified and heartfelt depiction of its complex characters and their interactions.

Underscoring the story is a splendid soundtrack that beautifully enhances the mood of each scene. It sets the tone from the very beginning of the film and accompanies the journey seamlessly till the end, enhancing the narrative's emotional intensity.

In conclusion, Away from Her presents an in-depth examination of an ever-evolving understanding of love and an exploration of enduring relationships being compelled to adapt to the inevitable transformations brought about by Alzheimer's—an unwilling journey moving away from familiarity towards the unknown. It matters less about what memories fade away but more about what love persists—it compels one to contemplate the essence of love’s survival against the sands of time and the tide of change.

Moving, tender, and unforgettable, Away from Her is a touching love story that examines what it means to love someone beyond memories or recognition. Its simplicity, grace, and honest storytelling make it a captivating watch, leaving audiences with a lot of tender moments to cherish and a few hard questions about the essence of love, loyalty, and personal identity.