See it at the Movies

GRANDMA

with Joyce & Don Fowler
Posted 9/29/15

* * *

(Relationships)

While the main subject of “Grandma” is abortion, the small, independent movie is more about relationships.

At the center is Elle (Lily Tomlin), the wisecracking, …

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See it at the Movies

GRANDMA

Posted

* * *

(Relationships)

While the main subject of “Grandma” is abortion, the small, independent movie is more about relationships.

At the center is Elle (Lily Tomlin), the wisecracking, negative, angry lesbian poet who has just sent her latest young lover packing. She is visited by Sage, her 18-year-old granddaughter (Julia Garner), who announces that she is pregnant and needs $600 for an abortion. Sage hasn’t told her cold, distant, businesswoman mother (Marcia Gay Harden).

There are serious relationship problems between both mothers and daughters. So Grandma and Sage set out to find enough money for the abortion, starting with the dumb boyfriend and ending with Elle’s old lover (Sam Elliot). Every attempt to get the money ends in bad memories and confrontations until there is only one person to ask.

The trailers treat the film like a comedy, and Tomlin does have some funny moments, but in reality it is a very sad look at how people fail to communicate and hurt each other. It also is mean-spirited at times. Elle’s treatment of just about everyone she meets is cold and hurtful. She has been hurt and she is dealing with her own demons, but she is determined to help her granddaughter. Beneath it all, the movie takes an unbiased look at a young woman faced with a difficult decision with nowhere to turn.

Rated R, with profanity, drug use and a controversial subject at its center.

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