Ricki and the Flash

Ricki and the Flash is an engaging, touching and wonderfully acted movie from 2015 that is equal parts heartwarming family drama and rock 'n' roll journey. It features award-winning actress Meryl Streep in an unconventional role that allows her to showcase her formidable acting talent combined with impressive singing and guitar playing capability. Streep sharing scenes with real-life daughter Mamie Gummer and seasoned actor Kevin Kline adds an extra layer of authenticity to the film.

The story centres around Ricki Rendazzo, played by Streep, a middle-aged woman who has given up everything to pursue her dream of becoming a rock singer. Now, she is singing cover songs with her band, The Flash, at an almost empty bar in Tarzana, California, and living a paycheck to paycheck life. However, the rock and roll lifestyle doesn't pay the bills and by day she must work as a humble grocery store cashier. Director Jonathan Demme manages to bring out the pathos of Ricki’s situation without undermining her undying spirit.

Ricki’s life takes a turn when she gets a distress call from her ex-husband Pete, played by Kevin Kline. He informs her that their daughter Julie, portrayed by Mamie Gummer, is going through a messy divorce and suffering from depression. Despite the years of being estranged from her family, Ricki hops on a plane and returns to the upscale Indianapolis neighborhood from where she once fled.

Back in Indiana, Ricki confronts the hardships of re-establishing a connection with her daughter who is resentful of her mother's past decisions. Meanwhile, Pete's new wife, Maureen, played by Audra McDonald, adds another dynamic to the equation, embodying the consistent and stabilizing figure in the family that Ricki never was. Returning from her self-imposed exile, Ricki not only has to face the mess she left behind but navigate an unfamiliar terrain of family dynamics and personal relationships.

The film speaks of regrets and choices, raised voices and calming down, all searching for a common ground that has been lost in past mistakes. The screenplay by Diablo Cody captures a nuanced portrayal of a woman who gave up the traditional role of a mother for her passion and the aftermath of that choice. Yet, it's an enjoyable watch due to the injection of catchy music performances throughout the movie.

Streep’s performance is a high point of the film. Her character Ricki is a contradiction of personas - the rebellious rockstar but also the remorseful mother who is given this one opportunity to make things right. The balance held within the character Ricki can be attributed to Meryl Streep's versatility and depth of her performance. It doesn't end there, Streep learned to play the guitar for this role and managed to bring an amazing amount of authenticity to her performance.

Kevin Kline partners well with Streep, relaying the complexity of Pete who is torn between his love for his present wife and his past with Ricki. Mamie Gummer shares a multi-layered and authentic mother-daughter bonding with Streep that is extraordinarily moving and resonant.

Music plays not just a backdrop but an integral part of this movie. It is through the music, the screenplay manages to transcend the barrier between past and present. The soundtracks include original songs and a list of classics from various eras of rock music. Rock lovers will enjoy the music as well as the challenges of Ricki and her band, The Flash, trying to make it in a world dominated by pop music.

Ricki and the Flash is a great showcase of the trials and tribulations within a family, marked by departures and reunions. It gives us an uncompromising mother, struggling with her family but ready to make amends, and a young woman trying to come to terms with her mother’s choices. It's ultimately a story about redemption and reconciliation, layered with superb performances by the main cast. The music-filled journey that drives the narrative is sure to keep viewers captivated and humming along.

This film is a wonderful example of how a rock and roll dream and family drama can intersect to create an authentic, heartfelt and entertaining story. It draws laughter and tears, shows family dynamics in all its messiness, and ultimately portrays the sacrifices and payoffs that come along with chasing one's dreams. Ricki and the Flash will keep you captivated with its tender storytelling, familiar themes and incredible performances.