Reviewed by Rama Gaind.
Director: Mayim Bialik, Defiant Screen Entertainment.
As They Made Us revolves around some sensitive family issues, with keen scrutiny that conveys hope, tragedy and humour – all at once. Above all, the movie observes grief over loved ones who have flaws, and those who have also empowered their family members.
As They Made Us is character-driven as it sensitively portrays end-of-life care from the perspective of a daughter who has endured a lifetime of emotional and sometimes physical abuse.
The dutiful daughter navigates the consequences of her parents’ failings. Abigail (Dianna Agron, The Big Bang Theory), a divorced mother of two, is struggling to balance the dynamic forces within her imperfect family as she attempts to cultivate new love.
It beautifully depicts everyday (human) moments with their closeness. The movie explores the art of dealing with ageing parents and mortality in a powerful, painful and pure way.
Performance by two-time Academy Award-winner Dustin Hoffman (Kramer vs. Kramer, Rain Man) is distinctive to requirements. He plays Eugene, Abigail’s father whose health is failing, while Candice Bergen (Murphy Brown, Boston Legal) is Barbara, Abigail’s difficult mother. Playing Abigail’s estranged brother Nathan is Simon Helberg (The Big Bang Theory) and Justin Chu Cary (Blindspotting) is Jay, a landscaper who Abigail is attracted to.
Written, produced and directed by Mayim Bialik. As They Made Us is a considerate directorial debut. The well-cast dramedy is loosely based on Bialik’s own familial past; on a lot of people’s lives.
“Everyone has a different story; my mother’s perception is very different than mine. This is how I choose to tell stories … I think it’s important to talk about mental health in any and every way we can.”
To win a DVD of As They Made Us, tell us (correctly) the name of the Oscar winner starring in this film. Entries should be sent to [email protected] by Monday, 22 May 2023. Names of the three winners will be published in Frank Cassidy’s PS-sssst…! column on 23 May 2023.
- As They Made Us launches on Digital and DVD on May 10
