Lullaby is a 2014 American drama film directed by Andrew Levitas. The film stars Garrett Hedlund, Richard Jenkins, Amy Adams, Jessica Brown Findlay, Terrence Howard, Jennifer Hudson, and Anne Archer. The movie tells the story of a family coming together to make the difficult decision of taking their father off life support. The movie is a touching portrayal of the complex emotions that surround the end of life, and the difficult choices that families face in these situations.
Plot
The movie opens with Jonathan Lowenstein (Garrett Hedlund) receiving a phone call informing him that his father, Robert Lowenstein (Richard Jenkins), has been hospitalized and is in critical condition. Jonathan returns home to be with his family, including his mother Rachel (Anne Archer), sister Karen (Jessica Brown Findlay), and his father’s best friend, Dr. Silas Weir Mitchell (Terrence Howard). The family is forced to make the difficult decision of taking their father off life support, and the movie follows their emotional journey as they come to terms with this decision.
As the family waits for Robert to pass away, they are visited by a number of people who have been touched by Robert’s life. Karen’s former boyfriend, James (Daniel Sunjata), comes to say goodbye to Robert and express his regret for how he treated Karen. The family also meets a young singer named Emily (Amy Adams) and her mother (Jennifer Hudson), who Robert had helped years ago. Emily sings a lullaby to Robert, which becomes a central theme throughout the movie.
Themes
One of the main themes of Lullaby is the complexity of end-of-life decisions. The movie shows how difficult it can be for families to make these decisions, and how these decisions can impact family dynamics. The movie also explores the idea of forgiveness, as the family comes to terms with their relationships with Robert and each other. Additionally, the movie touches on the idea of legacy, as Robert’s life and impact on others are explored through the various characters who visit the family during Robert’s final days.
Performances
The performances in Lullaby are exceptional, particularly from the film’s star, Richard Jenkins. Jenkins delivers a powerful performance as Robert Lowenstein, a man who is facing his own mortality and struggling to come to terms with the end of his life. Jenkins’ performance is subtle and nuanced, and he captures the fear, sadness, and regret that Robert is experiencing. Amy Adams also delivers a strong performance as Emily, a young woman who is grateful for Robert’s kindness and is deeply affected by his impending death. Adams brings a quiet strength to the role, and her performance is a highlight of the movie.
Direction
Andrew Levitas’ direction is another strong point of the movie. Levitas brings a sense of intimacy and emotional depth to the film, and he handles the complex subject matter with sensitivity and nuance. Levitas also employs a number of visual techniques to convey the emotional turmoil that the characters are experiencing, such as using slow motion and close-ups to capture the characters’ expressions and reactions.
Reception
Lullaby received mixed reviews from critics upon its release. While some praised the movie’s emotional depth and powerful performances, others criticized it for being too heavy-handed and melodramatic. However, the movie has developed a dedicated following among audiences who appreciate its portrayal of the complexity of end-of-life decisions and the emotional impact that these decisions can have on families.
Conclusion
Overall, Lullaby is a touching and emotional movie that explores the difficult decisions that families face when dealing with end-of-life issues. The movie’s exceptional performances and sensitive direction make it a powerful portrayal of the complex emotions that surround death and dying, and the impact that these experiences can have on families. While the movie may not be for everyone, those who are willing to engage with its themes and characters will find a powerful and moving experience.
One of the strengths of Lullaby is its ability to explore complex and difficult themes without resorting to sentimentality or manipulation. The movie is not afraid to delve into the difficult decisions that families must make when facing the end of a loved one’s life, and it does so with a sense of honesty and authenticity. The movie also explores the idea of forgiveness and reconciliation, as the family grapples with their relationships with Robert and each other. These themes are handled with sensitivity and nuance, and the movie never feels preachy or heavy-handed.
Another strength of Lullaby is its exceptional cast. Richard Jenkins delivers a powerful performance as Robert Lowenstein, capturing the fear and regret that comes with facing one’s own mortality. Amy Adams is also exceptional as Emily, a young woman who is deeply affected by Robert’s kindness and the impact that he has had on her life. The rest of the cast is also strong, with standout performances from Terrence Howard and Jennifer Hudson.
Overall, Lullaby is a moving and emotionally resonant movie that explores difficult themes with sensitivity and nuance. The movie may not be for everyone, but for those who are willing to engage with its themes and characters, it is a powerful and rewarding experience.