It all starts with a knock on the door after Addie (Fonda) bravely decides to risk the possibility of rejection by presenting her neighbor Louis (Redford) with an unusual proposition. These two have known each other for years, and both of them carry emotional baggage from the past. Though awkward at first, they soon begin to share their problems with each other. They also bond while working together to help Addie’s grandson (Iain Armitage/The Glass Castle), a sad little boy who seems neglected by both parents. (NOTE: Keep your eye on this impressive young actor. He really knows how to tug at your heartstrings! He already did that in HBO’s Big Little Lies, and he’s now starring in the new TV series Young Sheldon.)
The late-in-life close relationship between Addie and Louis doesn’t happen without obstacles, but we always hope everything will work out for these two because we grow to love them – warts and all.
After watching Our Souls at Night, I spent some time wondering why I enjoyed this particular film so much. The two veteran actors helped, of course. But the movie’s realistic and sensitive dialogue definitely enhanced the story. Kudos to screenwriters Kent Haruf (Plainsong), Michael H. Weber (The Fault in Our Stars) and Scott Neustradter (500 Days of Summer.)
“Help me get through each night, neighbor?”
A strange request coming from her.
She’s asking him to share her bed,
but not for sex, just talk instead.
Spouses they lost sometime ago.
And romance hopes seem rather low.
But who knows what their future brings?
We hope it’s filled with lovely things.
OUR SOULS AT NIGHT – a sweet movie.
Fonda and Redford work for me.
They play these roles with style and grace
in this fine film not rushed for pace.
Each character we get to know.
We watch their friendship slowly grow.
This motion picture was for me
a special treat I loved to see.
(Released by Netflix; not rated by MPAA.)
Review also posted at ReelTalk Movie Reviews.
Well done, I enjoyed reading your review.
Never Stop Writing!
m
Like On Golden Pond, I believe this story tells us something about how love still can operate in later life. Makes me recall how my great aunt's life was supported by her next-door neighbor after her husband died and his wife died.
As usual, your poems are so appropriate for the film.
Ron