The M Word

The 2014 film, The M Word revolves around the nuanced theme of menopause and the conversations surrounding it - inherently presenting a much-needed discourse on a subject which is largely considered taboo. This edgy flick gracefully elicits laughter while encouraging profound contemplation on a neglected topic in society.

The film's lead actress, Tanna Frederick, delivers a spellbinding performance as Moxie, who is truly the soul of The M Word. Moxie is a vivacious and vibrant actress working for a regional TV station called KZAM-TV in Los Angeles. Despite her stage being limited, Moxie's passion for her work and her extraordinary devotion to the failing channel is unequivocal.

Michael Imperioli, best known for his role in The Sopranos, plays Charlie Moon, the New York hot-shot executive dispatched by the corporate owners to supposedly 'revive' the struggling regional television station. Charlie, however, inherits the task of downsizing the station, which is losing viewers and money. Imperioli's nuanced portrayal manifests a hardened executive with a touch of compassion and brain behind the heart, allowing the audience to sympathize with his dilemmas.

A work trip to Palm Springs emerges as the turning point in Moxie's career and life, where she along with the other ladies of a certain 'age', gets exposed to the concept of menopause - a phenomenon she experiences herself but had never attached a veritable significance before. It is at this juncture that she conceptualizes the idea of making menopause — the subject which is routinely brushed under the carpet — a television special for her TV station.

Completing the star-studded cast, Corey Feldman lends an endearing touch to his character, allowing the audience to see another side of him. Feldman delivers a sterling performance as Moxie's eccentric cousin Ken, whose antics add an unexpected dash of levity to the ensuing predicaments.

Upon her return from the trip, Moxie tirelessly embarks upon her revolutionary project. She forcefully takes on Charlie Moon and his management team's paradigms about the inexpediency of her show, proclaiming that menopause deserves to be talked about openly. Moxie's project stirs a thought-provoking dialogue about the underlying societal norms and their forces on the women who are experiencing a completely natural and inevitable phase of life.

Interwoven in this ideological battle are the complexities of Moxie's personal life, which include an aging mother faced with the perils of dementia and her constantly bickering dysfunctional family. These aspects add a layer of emotional depth to the narrative, providing a complete picture of Moxie's life beyond her professional endeavors and how she attempts to navigate through the chaos.

The M Word, directed by Henry Jaglom, captures the elegance, humor, and strength of mature women dealing with the trials of menopause. By broaching such a delicate subject, the film underscores the indispensable need to open up conversations about the natural and yet feeble realities in women's lives, thus debunking the culture of silence that traps women in a cycle of mystery and shame.

Jaglom's direction exhibits his signature touch for the eclectic and interpersonal, blending humor, drama, and wisdom subtly yet effectively. Creating a truly engaging narrative, The M Word is an unexpectedly amusing and genuinely touching film that explores the unique challenges faced by women of a certain age.

The film draws its power from the immaculate storytelling and the splendid performances of its leads. A heartwarming story, The M Word touches upon themes of resilience, invincibility, and the importance of open dialogue about subjects that society often deems 'inconvenient'. A poignant exploration of the struggles of womanhood, The M Word paints a compelling portrait of the undiscussed realities of life, punctuated with threads of humor, warmth, and most significantly, understanding. An invitation to gaze into the realities of womanhood, The M Word stands as a testament to the power of conversation and the strength of those brave enough to lead it.