Monday Night Film Series presents, 'What They Had' -FR

Event Details:

The Monday Night Film Series will present 'What They Had.' 

From first-time writer/director Elizabeth Chomko, What They Had centers on a family in crisis. Bridget (Hilary Swank) returns home to Chicago at her brother's (Michael Shannon) urging to deal with her ailing mother (Blythe Danner) and her father's (Robert Forster) reluctance to let go of their life together.

Though its causes remain shrouded in mystery, Alzheimer’s Disease is unmistakably on the rise, and will become an ever-growing public issue as senior populations and longevity itself each continue to expand. We’re still at an early stage in terms of its dramatization, however — apart from Away From Her and Still Alice, there haven’t been that many notable screen depictions of Alzheimer’s, or of progressive dementia in general.

Actor-playwright Elizabeth Chomko’s debut feature What They Had is a particularly welcome addition to that so-far slim canon, since it finds ways to bring considerable humor to a grim subject, without trivializing it. This satisfying drama provides excellent roles for a fine cast, particularly Michael Shannon, Hilary Swank and Robert Forster. 

What They Had nicely weaves in an assortment of domestic conflicts around its central issue. Parent-child dynamics, sibling relations and fear of commitment are deftly considered alongside the primary question of what to do with mom.

"There's raw power in Chomko's writing, but so much scrupulousness and craft that you feel safe when the time comes to weep."  David Edelstein, New York Magazine/Vulture

This term, 15 limited release, independent foreign and Canadian films will be shown. Admission is $8/film, but a half-yearly $12 student film society membership reduces admission cost to $5/film. The series is open to all. Memberships are available at Tilley Hall, 102 every Monday night.

For further info, contact NB Film Co-op at 455-1632 or info@nbfilmcoop.com - http://www.nbfilmcoop.com/exhibition/monday-night-film-series

The NB Film Co-op, in partnership with the UNB Faculty of Arts and the Toronto Film Festival presents, the series.

Building: Tilley Hall

Room Number: 102