What They Had

What They Had, released in 2018, is a heartwarming and poignant American drama film, introducing an intricate portrayal of a family grappling with complex emotions. While the premise may seem simple, the film touches on profound issues such as love, responsibility, sacrifice, and the difficulty of making heartrending decisions. It’s directed by Elizabeth Chomko - a playwright, actress and now, a compelling filmmaker, who adds to her debut feature film an authentic touch of humanity and realism.

The movie features a remarkable and deeply moving ensemble cast. Two-time Academy Award winner Hilary Swank steps into the shoes of Bridget Ertz, a woman embroiled in her own personal struggles yet duty-bound to hold her family together. The immensely talented Michael Shannon plays her brother Nicky, a frustrated, hard-edged realist who stands in stark contrast to his sister. Rounding out this impressive cast are the legendary Robert Forster as Burt, the stern yet loving patriarch of the family, and the charming Blythe Danner who plays the role of Ruth, Burt's wife who is courageously battling Alzheimer's disease.

Set in the backdrop of a wintry Chicago, What They Had chronicles the tale of the Ertz family who are brought together due to a crisis. Bridget is comfortably settled in California, but she is compelled to return to her childhood home in Chicago when her mother, in a state of confusion due to her deteriorating condition, disappears into a chilling snowstorm. This incident draws the family together, as they confront their past and attempt to come to terms with their future.

Their reunion, however, is anything but calm and nostalgic. Instead, it brings to the surface years of pent-up feelings, familial discord, and disagreement over how best to care for their ailing mother. Burt is bent on keeping Ruth at home, cherishing their moments together, while Nicky insists that a professional care facility is the best option for her well-being. Caught in the middle is Bridget, who grapples with the weighty choices that need to be made for her parents, while simultaneously crossing swords with her own daughter and trying to figure out the complexities of her failing marriage.

The narrative skilfully intertwines these multiple threads, expressing the conflicting emotions that often arise within families faced with unforeseen circumstances. It provides a thoughtful exploration of what it means to honor our loved ones' wishes when they become incompatible with their well-being. The intriguing dynamics between the characters capture the essence of real-life family interactions, thereby striking a chord with the audience.

Lead actress Hilary Swank's performance is particularly noteworthy. Swank brings honesty, integrity, and a genuine sense of struggle and journey to her role as Bridget. Michael Shannon, in portraying Nicky, beautifully balances the scales between being resentful and empathetic. Danner delivers a heartrending performance as Ruth. Forster as Burt provides a study in the silent strength of a devoted spouse and a stubborn father.

Although the story mainly focuses on the theme of illness and its consequential fallout, it also deals with various other familial conflicts and individual personal demons. It examines the intricacies of sibling relationships, explores the idea of duty versus happiness, and questions the pursuit of individual identity within a traditional family structure.

Director Chomko, inspired by personal experiences, treats the subjects of maturity, parenthood, and mental health with sensitivity, humanity, and well-rounded insight. Despite the heavy themes, she ingeniously infuses moments of humor into the storyline that offer relief from the otherwise intense narrative, providing a balanced viewing experience.

Wonderfully paced and cinematographically beautiful, the movie delves deeply into the emotional journey of the Ertz family, leaving lasting resonance. It is a testament to the familial ties that bind, and the love and sacrifice they often demand. It's a film that leaves viewers pondering its various themes long after the final credits roll.

Overall, What They Had is an artistically crafted, emotionally charged movie, which tells a beautifully poignant story of togetherness, love, and the heartrending choices one often makes in the name of family. It's a film well worth watching, not just for its stellar performances, but also for its authentic, sensitive, and moving storytelling.