Rich in Love

Rich in Love, directed by Bruce Beresford and made in 1992, is a family drama that delves into the intimate complexities of a Southern family in Charleston, South Carolina, as they grapple with unexpected change. The film stars Albert Finney, Jill Clayburgh, and Kathryn Erbe, who each deliver compelling performances that breathe life into the intricately drawn characters. Based on a novel by Josephine Humphreys, the plot intertwines love, familial bonds, and the notion of maturity.

Albert Finney plays Warren Odom, the head of Odom family, who is a retired writer and botany professor. He is a larger-than-life figure with a quirky personality and a deep attachment to his Southern roots. Warren is forced to step up as the man of the house after his wife of over twenty years, Helen, played by Jill Clayburgh, decides to abandon her familial and societal responsibilities. She leaves a note, stating she needs time alone, causing a wave of change in the otherwise peaceful family life.

The youngest Odom child, Lucille (Loosha), portrayed by Kathryn Erbe, returns home shortly after graduating from high school to find her mother absent and her father in disarray. Despite being just seventeen, she takes it upon herself to salvage her home’s falling apart dynamics. Loosha juggles between taking care of her depressed father, maintaining the enormous family house which is falling into disrepair, managing neglected bills, and her own emotional turmoil owing to her mother’s sudden departure. The situation further complicates when Helen's free-spirited, slightly oddball sibling, played by Piper Laurie, moves into the Odom house, adding another layer of chaos to the mix.

With the mother missing and the father barely managing, Loosha becomes the unexpected caretaker and emotional pivot for the family. Loosha's problems are broadened when she becomes involved with a young guy who is new in town, played by Ethan Hawke. As the story unfolds, Rich in Love subtly unveils Loosha's transformation from a teenager to an unexpectedly matured, responsible individual.

Despite the relatively bleak theme, the film maintains a light touch as it presents the Odom family's universally relatable struggles. It periodically inserts a good amount of southern charm and wit, making it an interesting watch. There's a subtlety to the movie's exploration of each character's emotional complexity, absence, abandonment, and how the sudden void created in a closely-knit family can be devastating.

A noteworthy element of the movie is the performances of the cast. Albert Finney delivers a spectacular performance as Warren, embodying the essence of his character, who is equal parts melancholic and endearing. Jill Clayburgh puts forth an interesting character, although her screen-time is limited. However, it's Kathryn Erbe who stands out with a heart-touching, genuine performance as Loosha, the heart and soul of the film. The supporting cast including Piper Laurie, Ethan Hawke, Kyle MacLachlan, and Suzy Amis is convincing in their respective roles, adding to the overall narrative.

Moreover, the movie is beautifully shot, capturing the idyllic charm of Charleston. The cinematography handsomely represents the genteel Southern life and the grandeur of the Odom house. On the whole, the serene Southern setting amplifies the effect of the turmoil the Odom family experiences.

In summary, Rich in Love is a gentle, bittersweet, slice-of-life drama that lets you peek into the lives of the Odoms as they navigate through a challenging phase. With powerful performances, a solid script, thought-provoking narrative, and awe-inspiring cinematography, it presents an emotionally engaging watch. Whether you're a fan of family dramas or you enjoy character-driven storytelling, Rich in Love is a movie that will appeal to a wide range of audiences.