Whered You Go, Bernadette

Whered You Go, Bernadette is a delightful American mystery comedy-drama film, released in 2019. It stars the critically acclaimed and Oscar-winning actress - Cate Blanchett - in the titular role, who with her captivating screen presence is sure to keep the audience entranced. The film also features Billy Crudup and Emma Nelson in significant roles. It's directed by filmmaker Richard Linklater, who is known for his acclaimed works such as "Boyhood" and the "Before Sunrise" trilogy.

The story is based on the 2012 novel of the same name by Maria Semple. This ambitious cinematic undertaking by Linklater, attempts to transform the epistolary narrative of the novel into a visual narrative, making it a complex, yet engaging watch for the audience.

In the movie, Blanchett portrays Bernadette Fox, a retired architect based in the rainy city of Seattle, who is grappling with her anxiety and agoraphobia. Once renowned in her architecture field, she has slipped into a life of reclusion and eccentricity. Billy Crudup — playing Bernadette's husband Elgin Branch, a Microsoft executive — is befuddled at her behaviour, but loves her nonetheless. Their only child, Bee, loved and cherished by both parents, is played by budding actress Emma Nelson, and she wants to take an Antarctica trip with her family as a reward for her perfect grades.

Bernadette’s world is chaotic. Disliking people, modern technology and "Seattle's unique vibe," she has no friends and her only interaction is with her virtual assistant, who will do anything from arranging prescriptions to booking a trip to Antarctica. Her interactions with her neurotic neighbor Audrey, played by Kristen Wiig, provide some comical relief. Bernadette's eccentricity interferes with her and Audrey's relationship, leading to many comic misunderstandings and frustrations.

Fox's architect background is finely detailed out, tracing her journey from being a MacArthur genius grant recipient and a groundbreaking arena designer to her mysterious disappearance from the architecture field. The reasons for her abrupt quit from her successful career, her struggles with mental health, and her deteriorating relationship with her daughter and husband form the intriguing backdrop of the story.

Bernadette's introverted and seemingly crazy lifestyle worries her loved ones, including her daughter Bee and husband Elgin, played impressively by Crudup. As her actions go from odd to outrageous, Bernadette's life takes a surprising turn that shocks her family and viewers. Struggling to reconcile with her past failures and current upheavals, Bernadette embarks on a galvanizing journey to rediscover herself. Along the way, she must confront and overcome various obstacles that come between her and her family.

The movie is filled with energetic performances that complement the quirky narrative. Blanchett's nuanced performance drives the film, humorously and sensitively enacting Bernadette's eccentric personality. Despite the unusual vibe, Blanchett makes Bernadette's character relatable, inciting empathy with her struggles and transformation. Crudup as Bernadette's confused husband and Nelson as her passionate and understanding daughter provide excellent supporting performances.

The director, Linklater, who is known for his thought-provoking cinematic visions, here explores a woman's journey of self-discovery and liberation. The movie intricately handles the poignant, albeit chaotic, life of a woman struggling with her past and self-identity. It's about dealing with mental health, existential crisis, family crises and the importance of self-discovery.

The film is as much an emotional journey as it is comedic, making it an engaging watch that explores the human touch through Bernadette’s story. Whered You Go, Bernadette with its unconventional narrative, intriguing characters, and a brilliant performance by Blanchett, is certainly a movie for the viewers who enjoy quirky, heartfelt, and humorous tales about life's tribulations and triumphs.