Surrender, Dorothy

Surrender, Dorothy is a 2005 TV film which continually treads between drama and comedy, directed by Charles McDougall. The movie stars the acclaimed Diane Keaton, known for her performance in variety of roles in across genres, along with talented actors Tom Everett Scott and Alexa Davalos.

The film is essentially a compelling take on relationships, loss, grief, and personal growth. Diane Keaton, in a knockout performance, plays Natalie Swerdlow, a widowed mother still grieving the loss of her beloved husband. Keaton perfectly captures the essence of her character, a woman vulnerable yet tenacious, who is confronted with the sudden, tragic death of her daughter, Sara (Alexa Davalos). Devastated by the shocking loss, Natalie decides to spend the summer at her daughter’s summer rental house along the Maryland coast, along with Sara's close-knit group of friends.

Among these friends is Adam (Tom Everett Scott), an affable man who, though loving and supportive, is not without his own flaws. Adam was Sara's best friend and is clearly mourning her death as he tries to maintain normalcy in their shared friend group. Alexa Davalos, seen in flashbacks, is equally remarkable as Sara, her every scene radiating with youthfulness and zest for life.

A good chunk of the film focuses on Natalie's deep dive into the personal life of her late daughter, with the film's title, Surrender, Dorothy, referencing a mysterious password Sara used, which Natalie is bent on deciphering. As she interacts with Sara's friends and even prying into her personal belongings and letters, Natalie learns things about Sara she was largely oblivious to when she was alive. These discoveries lead her to question her relationship with her daughter and to reassess the meaning of love, motherhood, and the measures one would take to keep their loved one's memories alive.

Surrender, Dorothy beautifully portrays the tumultuous journey of grief through the character of Natalie, a woman desperately trying to hold on to her daughter even after death. At the same time, it showcases regeneration, resilience, and acceptance. Also, it quite intricately deliberates the idea of personal space and boundaries, even among the closest of relationships.

The Maryland coastal location offers a beautiful setting for the plot to unfold, and the beautiful cinematography enhances this further. The script is thoughtful, peppered with humor and heart-wrenching moments, which are well-carried by the principal cast.

Diane Keaton's performance is spectacular and pivotal to the film. She effortlessly steps into the skin of her character and brings out the nuances of a grieving mother, making her extremely relatable. Tom Everett Scott delivers a commendable performance as Adam. Alexa Davalos doesn't have as much screen time since her character Sara is dead from the beginning, but through flashbacks, Alexa brings enough life to her character that allows audiences to understand the impact of her loss on the people around her.

Director Charles McDougall, known for his work in popular television shows, carries over his knack for character development and emotional nuance into this film. He strikingly portrays the sorrow, confusion, cathartic release, and eventual acceptance inherent in the process of grieving.

The film is paced well, unfolding gently to allow relationships to evolve and characters to process their grief. There is no rush to a conclusion or hurry to exit the stages of grief. It allows you plenty of thoughtful pauses and moments of melancholic introspection. Simultaneously, it does not lack its lighter moments given life by the brilliant cast, ensuring that it does not become too overwhelming.

In conclusion, Surrender, Dorothy is a touching exploration of the complexities revolving around death, mourning, and the trials faced by those left behind. With its strong performances, especially by Diane Keaton, the film invites a patient, mindful viewing and promises an emotional journey that is sure to resonate with the audience long after the credits roll. This movie is recommended for audiences looking for a heart-warming, thought-provoking, and mature exploration of human relationships and personal growth in the wake of adversity.