Bring tissues and your best friend!
We have had quite a few movies over the last few years where cancer has played the protagonist among a cast of young people. Most recently Me, Earl & The Dying Girl, along with The Fault In Our Stars, The Last Song and Now Is Good.
Focussing on a more adult audience we have Miss You Already directed by Catherine Hardwicke (Twilight). Billed as a comedy-drama the movie stars Toni Colette as Milly, a vibrant live life to the fullest character. Along with her two children and husband Kit (Dominic Cooper) they epitomise the family who seem to have it all.
Toni Collette as Milly
The central story surrounds the relationship between two friends. Inseparable since they met in school Jess (Drew Barrymore) and Milly are the best of friends who have been there for each other through it all. Their first kisses, pregnancies and marriage. Milly always the wilder of the two is devastated by the news that she has breast cancer. At the same time Jess finds out she is pregnant but keeps the news to herself so she can be there for her friend.
Jess and Milly
Following a double mastectomy Milly struggles to deal with the aftermath of her surgery and her relationship with Kit hits rocky ground. Out of control, confused, angry and unable to come to terms with what is happening Milly unintentionally drives a wedge between her and those closest to her. A lack of intimacy with her husband, who is unable to find the right way to comfort her, drives her into the arms of another. Milly’s illness has taken her down a path of self-destruction and she doesn’t recognise her own life any more. Discovering her infidelity is the final straw for Jess and the two drift apart.
Without giving too much away, Miss You Already is more than just a movie about a woman who gets cancer. It’s more about friendship, understanding and an unbreakable spirit when you need it most.
Paddy Considine, Drew Barrymore, Toni Collette & Dominic Cooper
I’m giving it 3.5 out of 5. The performances are strong from the two female leads. The emotion, trauma and devastation that cancer can cause for both patient and family are presented with a sense of realism which gives the movie an authentic and gripping feel. Bring tissues and your best friend, I heard plenty of sniffles during the movie. Check out the trailer below.