The Parting Glass

The Parting Glass – In Depth Journey Didn't know what to expect from this highly personal expression of grief and family introspection but certainly got more than expected from a terrific cast. Everyone delivers career-confirming performances amid thoughtful situations – the like of which many viewers may, or will, at some stage experience in one form or other. Veteran Ed Asner proves he's still remarkably good as the patriarchal father. Uniquely talented composer Nathan Barr underscores the personal drama - with a highly emotive music score capturing each nuance as we follow these searching souls - each wanting to take solace in any glimmer of hope they find, even if it's based on supposition. A couple of well-placed songs add emotional power without being obvious. Popular English actor and recovered alcoholic Stephen Moyer, is here, first-time director/producer. Moyer also directs his multi-nominated wife Anna Paquin (Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee '07) and works well with award-winning cinematographer Guy Godfrey (Maudie '17). As independent features go this stands out for loving dedication to the human experience. Sensitive audiences will recognize the effort involved and follow these believable characters to the highly effective finale. Star, Dennis O'Hare's personal and honest script runs warm and pensive with just the right amount of well placed humor. It seems like a sequence may have ended up on the cutting room floor, leaving a minor under-explained situation involving a late introduced family member but this does not overly hurt this thoughtful family journey. Recommended for lovers of movies offering examinations of real-life interactions - this fine work is not overly well known but deserves to be.

Beautifully executed, really great movie! Alas, probably the most annoying characters written for the screen... By the end of the movie I kinda wished they all have taken their own lives, just like their little sister did.

Not worth writing about

This is a hard one to watch.

Miserable. Didn't like any characters and wanted to turn off from the first five minutes.

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A few days in life of sibblings, father and brother in law after one of their number dies. Explore relationships and lives through flashbacks. Well acted, but I'm not sure I cared very much. I lack empathy maybe!

We enjoyed the film - it was well-acted and in some parts, particularly moving. Realistic as well, in terms of not shoehorning each character into a single main emotion about the complex subject of bereavement.