Killing Eleanor

source: Killing Eleanor

Killing Eleanor is the story of two women who are unable to move forward in their lives for very different reasons. Forced together, they must build a bond on an unsteady foundation to find a path out of their respective doldrums. The screenplay, written by co-lead Annika Marks, delves into the complicated subject of assisted suicide with nuance and humor. Keeping a film like this both grounded and funny is a huge task and it starts in the writing. The film never loses sight of who Natalie and Eleanor are as people, unafraid to show their flaws but also their strengths. Its clear the people telling this story care about these characters. Marks and O'Hara are pitch perfect and have great chemistry bringing them to life. Subtle direction from Rich Newey along with a terrific cast allows the story to unfurl at its own pace. The result is an unflinching, funny, and touching film. I left Killing Eleanor reminded that it is our impermanence, in part, that fills our time here with potential. Please go watch this film.

If you're in the mood for a well-paced, emotionally evocative drama that doesn't pander and isn't cloyingly sweet, you can't do better than this. On top of that it's highly entertaining, at least for viewers who can appreciate a film dealing with a dark subject in an obliquely lighthearted way. Writer slash star Annika Marks does a brilliant job in both categories, playing a complex, troubled character struggling to right her capsized ship of a life. An unexpected visit from a desperate old woman tired of living launches them on a journey that forces our heroine to confront her own demons. Along the way we're treated to a steady stream of intelligent, droll humor as the two main characters stumble as best they can towards the finish line. Marks' husband Rich Newey does a masterful job as director. The casting, acting, cinematography and editing are flawless. The soundtrack is a bonus, loaded with great songs that fit the story perfectly. Every aspect of this film is Oscar worthy, and in a perfect world it would have been nominated in multiple categories.

This movie is a very interesting one. It has a great premise and some great actors, but I think some of the choices with production and direction just didn't work. I think the intriguing relationship between our two protagonists- a drug addict who can't get her life together and an elderly woman in a lot of pain who wishes to die- just doesn't come together because the film is hindered by a very serious dramatic tone and music that can make some scenes feel quite forced like a soap opera or an after-school special. Because of this overly dramatic tone, there is a serious disconnect that occurs between the viewer and the film that makes these characters hard to relate to or root for despite their very human story.

Killing Eleanor is thought-provoking fun entertainment. It was good for what ailed me. I watched it alone and I will be making sure my friends join me next time. It was dark and funny, sometimes whacky, but never became unbelievable. A "sweet" old lady and her self-serving knight in shining armor make some improbable choices and come to some sober realizations --think buddy road trip but along the way the buddies sort out a few of life's toughest problems. The supporting cast was also spot-on. One week later, just watched it again with two friends. Second time through, still lovely!

I loved this indie film about two complicated, damaged, lonely women who are forced to share the most significant journey of their lives. Having burned bridges and defied norms, they are each alone and find themselves needing a completely unlikeable stranger to depend on. The film goes from dark humor to bright insight, and it brought tears and laughter. Marks and O'Hara each create full complicated characters and support each other's work perfectly. The rest of the cast is remarkable for its individual and group performances. The family confrontation, the salon introduction, and both AA group scenes were wonderful ensemble performances. The look and feel is perfectly constructed by director Newey and his exceptional crew. I highly recommend this film!!

This movie totally caught me by surprise! I love the cast so I turned it on expecting a light comedy. Found myself weeping. Go in knowing nothing. It's a great ride!!!

At times slowfeeling, epistel about an elderly woman with a death wish, and a young woman drug addict, trying to bend the universe to make a happy life for ever after. Its a rusty glow of dreariness following the two charming caracters as they run off on a road trip to the river styx somewhere at the border of canada but the road ahead have many bends, both physically and mentally ones, the old getting increasingly fatigued and near terminal, blaming the young woman for not having a plan at all. The youngster though has to deal with her own urges that makes living like hell, and the endless chase for the next high overtakes her abilities to euthanize her longtime forgotten employer of her past. Its a story about trust, love, hope, same sex relations, addiction, happy sadnessneglect, family and the search for social acceptance its a slow moving plot, but there are some realism to it. The old caracter are brilliantly acted, the demeanors and physical fatigue is just like taken outta the geriatric facility that i work on, and the young dopeseeking frida do a good job as well. Its basic in its production, a bit too many close up filmtakes, and the budget need'nt a life insurance to cover the bills. But it shows a little bit of human worthiness in north america, and that death really is a costly affair anyhow, done voulanarily or not. The grumpy old man did notice a very well chosen music, a timeline couldve eased and completed the plot even more, but in the end its well. But no more than a little recommend.

Saw this at a festival and immediately watched it again when it was released. I laughed and cried. It really hit home. I highly recommend, especially if you've struggled with addiction.

I love this film. It brought me to tears. Everything about it is sheer pleasure to watch. Every scene, every word matters. Beautifully acted, filmed and directed. I'll watch it again, and again.