Bonneville

Bonneville is a 2006 blend of comedy, drama, and adventure which stars powerhouse actresses Jessica Lange, Kathy Bates, and Joan Allen. Loaded with wit, warmth, and a few unexpected turns, the film provides insight into the complexities of loss, friendship, and self-discovery against the grandeur of America's 'Mother Road', Route 66.

Directed by Christopher N. Rowley, Bonneville chronicles the story of three friends, Arvilla (Jessica Lange), Carol (Joan Allen), and Margene (Kathy Bates) who embark on an extraordinary road trip across the American West. However, this is no ordinary road trip, as they're journeying to deliver the ashes of Arvilla's late husband, who passed away suddenly and unexpectedly.

Jessica Lange, in her role as Arvilla, uplifts the movie with a deeply nuanced portrayal of a woman coming to terms with loss. Her grief, delivered with remarkable restraint, is quietly poignant. Yet her journey to acceptance, resilience, and exploration brings a lovely evolution to her character.

Contrasting Lange's thoughtful introspection, Kathy Bates portrays a delightfully eccentric and outspoken character, Margene, Arvilla's closest friend. Bates’ performance, true to her reputation, adds a fantastic layer of candor and humor. She often acts as a buffer between the subdued Arvilla and their conservative and reluctant companion on the journey, Carol, as portrayed by Joan Allen.

Allen, whose reputation precedes her, portrays Carol as a Mormon woman shrouded in reservations about the unforeseen adventure. As the trip progresses and cultural norms recede into the rear-view mirror, Carol's character blooms under Allen's skillful development.

Frank (Tom Skerritt), Arvilla's late husband, pre-planned his own funeral to be held in Santa Barbara, California, prompting their journey. His overbearing daughter, Francine (Christine Baranski), is insistent on retrieving her father's ashes, which sparks Arvilla's impulse to hit the open road with her quirky friends in a 1966 Bonneville convertible, thus setting the stage for a captivating journey filled with encounters of unforgettable characters and breathtaking landscapes.

The road trip commences in Idaho, taking the trio through some of the most beautiful scenes of the American West. The immaculate cinematography of Jeffrey L. Kimball captures the untouched charm of Bonneville Salt Flats, Bryce Canyon, and the Grand Canyon. The desert landscapes and iconic destinations along Route 66 indeed become characters in their own right, each reflecting themes from the silent emptiness of grief to the vibrant, rejuvenating promise of new beginnings.

At its core, Bonneville is a story about coming to terms with life's surprises and finding comfort in female friendships. As the journey unfolds, so do the personalities of these three women, as they navigate various speed bumps, detours, and unexpected revelations along the way. Their adventures, filled with shared laughter, tears, and moments of conflict and resolution, deepen their friendships and help them reap a wealth of self-knowledge and understanding.

Kristen Davis, Victor Rasuk, and Tom Amandes are among the myriad of unanticipated individuals that cross paths with the trio, delivering charming performances that help shape the narrative.

The screenplay, penned by Daniel D. Davis, intertwines comedy and drama in just the right amounts, while the movie's musical score by Jeff Cardoni enhances the story and emotes perfectly with the scenario, adding another layer of personality to it. Furthermore, the growth and development of each character are showcased through the artful wardrobe design by Peggy Farrell.

Bonneville approaches the theme of loss with both sensitivity and realism. At the same time, it underscores friendship's power in providing comfort, perspective, support, and the courage to venture into uncharted territories, both literally and emotionally.

The trio's spirited escapade in Bonneville is more than a delight; it is an exploration of life's unfathomable path, an ode to enduring friendships, and a relieving assurance that it is never too late to discover oneself. The film is a testament to the healing, transformative power of friendship and shared journeys. So buckle up and prepare for a road trip unlike any other as you journey through laughter, tears and poignancy in Bonneville.