Diane

The 2018 film Diane, directed by award-winning filmmaker Kent Jones, is a poignant cinematic exploration of guilt, regret and the continual pursuit of atonement, featuring a compelling turn from veteran actress Mary Kay Place in the leading role. Diane’s journey, delivered through a demanding but rewarding narrative style, invites us to take a deep dive into the minutiae of everyday life where the mundane meets the profound.

"Diane" tells the story of its titular character, a selfless woman in her late 70s living in the rustic landscape of rural Massachusetts. Portrayed by Mary Kay Place, who effectively brings out the character's depths of sadness and resilience, Diane is a woman wholly dedicated to others but haunted by her past.

She spends her days performing acts of service for others in her community; she is the first one to arrive with a casserole when a friend falls ill, or a ready ear when a neighbour needs to talk. A bulk of her time is spent taking care of her ill cousin, Donna (Deirdre O'Connell), who suffers from cervical cancer. Despite the reluctance shown by family members, she takes on the responsibility with selfless determination.

However, even as she is enmeshed in the lives of those around her, Diane remains fiercely committed to her adult son, Brian (Jake Lacy), who is locked in a relentless battle with addiction. This narrative thread provides a running undercurrent to the film, showing how Diane’s consuming guilt and relentless pursuit of redemption shape her relationship with her troubled son.

Jake Lacy portrays Brian with an impressive intensity that adeptly showcases the character's turmoil and struggle. The scenes between mother and son convey a profound sense of heartache, imbued with a delicacy that incises the heart of the viewer. Diane’s vulnerability and the ordeal of her son represent the deeply intertwined themes of guilt, addiction, and familial ties that underline this delicately penned film.

Jones’s script is layered savvy, giving each character in the rural community their share of screen time and letting audiences peek into their lives and relationships. Jones is unafraid to focus on the aging population, giving much-needed space to the trials and tribulations of older adults, a group often neglected in modern cinema.

Most of the drama unfolds in the often cold, stark atmosphere of winterland New England, created by cinematographer Wyatt Garfield. The environment not only serves as a beautiful backdrop to the flawless storytelling but also reflects the inner battle Diane endures; like the barren trees she's continually driving past under a dull grey sky, Diane is stripped raw and exposed to the harsh elements of her own guilt and the tireless fight to save her son.

As an audience, we are also given brief respites from Diane's struggles through scenes involving the local community. Her regular meetings with old friends, loved ones, and neighbourly faces over meals provide a semblance of normalcy. These scenes, too, are imbued with an understated melancholy, as they are often punctuated by news of illness, death, and obituaries. The film, in this sense, paints an unflinchingly honest picture of the harsh realities that come with aging and the sense of mortality it brings.

In the role of Diane's aunt Bobbie is Estelle Parsons, who’s acting experience adds another layer of authenticity to the narrative. Bobbie’s character serves as a comforting presence in Diane’s life, offering uncompromising love and understanding.

"Diane" reveals its narrative gradually, using flashbacks to provide snippets of the character’s past and her haunting regrets. It’s a compassionate and deeply moving exploration of a woman reconciling with her past and coming to terms with her mortality. It's this humanity, reflected in every sterling performance and each meticulously constructed frame, which captivates audiences and resonates long after the credits roll.

On an overall note, "Diane" has been applauded for its potent performances, especially from Mary Kay Place, whose portrayal of an aging, kind-hearted but conflicted woman won her numerous accolades. Furthermore, Kent Jones's directorial flair shines through, turning an intimate portrait of an everyday woman grappling with universal woes into a profound meditation on life, death, and redemption. This blend of simplicity and depth makes "Diane" an unforgettable cinematic experience.