Jackie

Jackie is an emotive and engaging drama film released in 2012 with prominent Dutch actresses Carice van Houten and Jelka van Houten as the main leading roles, co-starring with the Academy Award-winning American actress Holly Hunter.

Dirk Gerritsen and Marnie Blok masterfully penned down the story, while Antoinette Beumer meticulously directed this captivating Dutch/American collaboration. The film is a powerful blend of drama that amalgamates a mix of personal discovery, bond of sisterhood and search for roots, resulting in a journey of self-discovery and personal growth.

The story kicks off in Amsterdam, where we meet the leading characters, the Dutch twins Sofie (Carice van Houten) and Daan (Jelka van Houten). Both are leading different lifestyles that are as contrasting as day and night. Sofie is a career-driven woman working in a high position for an esteemed company, while Daan seems more relaxed and free-spirited and has different priorities, like her relationship with her girlfriend. Their life journeys have been independent of each other until an unexpected call ties their paths together.

The call is from Jackie (Holly Hunter), a woman living in America who claims to be the biological mother of the twins. Jackie, who is bedridden due to an accident and cannot take care of herself, reaches out to her two daughters living halfway across the globe. Thus, despite their initial reservations, Sofie and Daan embark on this unexpected journey to the USA to meet the woman who gave them birth, yet they have never known.

The journey to America confronts the twins not only with their unknown origin but also with each other's glaringly different personalities. Through this journey, the viewers unravel the complexities of their relationship, which is sometimes strained yet unbreakable. The interaction between Sofie, Daan, and Jackie is also a crucial element of the narrative. Through Jackie, the twins get a startling view into their past and discover a part of themselves they never knew existed.

Carice van Houten, recognized worldwide for her role in "Game of Thrones", delivers a compelling performance as the stern and focused Sofie. Jelka van Houten, real-life sister to Carice, shines as Daan, offering a charming and emotional portrayal of a warm, carefree spirit. Holly Hunter, as the feisty Jackie, combines toughness and vulnerability to successfully win the audience's empathy. The dynamic between these three women, different yet connected, forms the crux of the film, each actor contributing to the overall feel of the plot.

The cinematography, executed by Bert Pot, should also be applauded. It beautifully illustrated the harsh yet enchanting landscape of New Mexico in concurrence with the harsh yet enchanting journey of the protagonists. The soundtrack of the film, featuring music by Melcher Meirmans, Merlijn Snitker, and Chrisnanne Wiegel, also adds depth and emotion to the narrative.

"Jackie" provides us with a balanced combination of drama, family sentiments, and travel aspects against a backdrop of gorgeous landscapes. The film was not shot as a typical drama movie; it has its own unique style - deeply rooted in the simplicity of storytelling while exploring raw, human emotions and relationships. It is about contrasts: contrasting characters, contrasting environments, contrasting emotions, and, most importantly, contrasting life approaches.

"Jackie" is not just a beautifully shot film; it is a tribute to sisterhood and family bonds that transcends borders and celebrates the power of love and kindness. The film takes you on a roller-coaster ride of emotions, filled with sweet and bitter experiences, unexpected twists, and revealing truths.

In essence, Jackie is a poignant story that questions the true meaning of family, tracing a journey that leaves the audience deeply moved by its end. It encourages the viewer to acknowledge, appreciate, and accept the complexities of their relationships and origins, delivering the invincible message: Family is not just about being connected by blood; it's about connections forged by love, understanding, and support.