Grandma (2015)

"Grandma" (2015 release; 82 min.) brings the story of Elle (played by Lily Tomlin). As the movie opens, we get Chapter 1 "Endings", in which we see Elle breaking up with her (much younger) girlfriend Olivia. "You're nothing but a footnote" sneers Elle. But after Olivia leaves, crushed by Elle's comment, we see Elle crying in the shower. Then Elle's granddaughter Sage stops by unannounced. It's not long before we learn that Sage wants to terminated an unwanted pregnancy and she needs $630, and can Grandma help? Can she ever! At this point we are not even 10 minutes into the movie but to tell you more would spoil your viewing experience, you'll just have to see for yourself how it all plays out.

Couple of comments: first, this movie is a labor of love from Paul Weitz, best known for co-directing American Pie and About a Boy. Here, he writes, produces and directs a small movie (with an even smaller budget) about a grieving lesbian who gets an opportunity to help her granddaughter. As probably many of you, I had heard the buzz about Lily Tomlin's first lead performance in decades, and indeed this lives up to the billing as Tomlin brings an unforgettable performance. That said, what I wasn't expecting was the at times mean and bitter undercurrents in this film. When Sage tells Grandma "you have an anger problem", Elle replies "no, I have an a$$hole problem", wow, seriously? In fact, besides the charming Sage (played by up-and-coming Julia Garner), there aren't many likable characters in this film, and neither will you walk away from watching "Grandma" with a feel-good moment, even as we learn more about Elle's past life and relationship in various conversations. Check out the pivotal scene played between Lily Tomlin and Sam Elliot (no worries, I won't spoil). Second, the movie is divided in 6 chapters, similar to book chapters. Third, there is a very nice musical score for the movie, courtesy of Joel P. West, and also a bunch of great song placements.

Bottom line: while I enjoyed the movie, I was slightly taken back by the harsh, if not mean, exchanges among many of the characters. The movie recently opened here in Cincinnati, and the evening screening where I saw this at was attended okay (for a week night). I encourage you to check out "Grandma", be it in the theater, on VOD or eventually on DVD/Blu-ray, and draw your own conclusions.