Still Alice

Still Alice is a gripping drama film from 2014, directed by Richard Glatzer and Wash Westmoreland and starring Julianne Moore, Alec Baldwin, and Kristen Stewart. The movie beautifully yet painfully explores a very challenging subject: early-onset Alzheimer's disease. The film is an adaptation of Lisa Genova’s 2007 bestselling novel of the same name, which offers a candid and delicate depiction of a person affected by Alzheimer's.

In the leading role, Julianne Moore shines as Alice Howland, a highly accomplished linguistics professor at Columbia University. Alice is married to John Howland, played by Alec Baldwin, a successful research scientist. Together, they form a compelling and powerful couple, settled in their comfortable life with their three grown children, played by Kristen Stewart, Kate Bosworth, and Hunter Parrish.

The film evolves around Alice’s life that takes an unexpected turn. We see Moore's character at the peak of her life, enjoying her intellectual pursuits, leading a fulfilling family life, and maintaining her social responsibilities as well. However, she starts noticing subtle changes that at first, seem inconsequential, like forgetting words during a lecture, losing her way during a routine jog, and minor instances of forgetfulness that slowly increase in frequency.

Initially dismissed as the regular effects of aging or stress, Alice's symptoms eventually become too severe to ignore any longer. After a series of medical tests, she receives the shattering diagnosis of early-onset familial Alzheimer’s disease, which alters her life permanently. Apart from being regarded as a brilliant academic, Alice is primarily characterized by her expressiveness and love for language, making the prognosis even more harrowing as she contends with the fear, shock, and disbelief of the heart-rending diagnosis.

From here, the movie masterfully reveals how Alice and her family grapple with the debilitating impact of the disease. Julianne Moore convincingly portrays the anguish, frustration, and vulnerability of a woman slowly losing her grip on the reality she once defined and controlled. On the other hand, Alec Baldwin, as her devoted and loving husband, struggles to come to terms with his wife's diagnosis, showcasing the debilitating psychological impact this disease has not just on the patient but also on the close relations.

The film provides a thoughtful and compassionate exploration of Alice’s relationships with her children, particularly with Lydia, played by Kristen Stewart. Lydia is an aspiring actress in Los Angeles, who shares a sometimes strained yet profoundly loving relationship with Alice. The mother-daughter dynamic undergoes significant change due to Alice's condition, and their evolving relationship forms a central thematic thread within the film.

Understandably, the topic of this movie is a little daunting. The narrative expertly takes us through the emotional and mental journey of Alice and her family as they grapple with the realities of her disease. It's a moving film that brings to light the fear and uncertainty associated with Alzheimer's disease. The film excels in generating empathy without veering into sentimentality, making for a profoundly touching viewing experience.

'Still Alice' is carried by a remarkable, Oscar-winning lead performance, Julianne Moore, whose portrayal of Alice is as heartrending as it is sincere. Moore brilliantly captures the essence of her character's gradual memory loss, convincingly evolving from a confident, intellectual academic to a woman battling terrible confusion as her mental faculties progressively deteriorate.

Alec Baldwin, Kristen Stewart, and the supporting cast deliver commendable performances, adding depth and fraternity to the movie's emotional landscape. The filmmaking is understated yet affecting, with the directors relying on close-ups to intimately convey Alice's internal struggle and the reactions of those around her.

The film uses Alice’s condition to explore themes of identity, self-worth, and aging, prompting viewers to contemplate deep-seated fears of disease and mortality. Despite the unforgiving subject matter, the film manages to instill a sense of hope, resilience, and a painful yet beautiful aspect of human nature that persists even when much else has faded away.

In conclusion, Still Alice is a gripping, emotionally charged film — a sobering reminder of the devastating impact Alzheimer's disease has on patients and their loved ones, while equally celebrating the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. The stellar performances, compelling storyline, and a human-centric approach make this movie an essential viewing experience that will resonate long after the closing credits.