Go and see it

Rating: 10/10 (16 January 2016)

An amazing adaptation of a book I loved. Brie Larson and Jacob Tremblay give amazingly true central performances as a deeply devoted mother and son, with superb support from Joan Allen, who is also wonderful in her role as a loving, deeply hurt mother and grandma and William H Macy is also striking in his brief appearance as a far too damaged dad.
All credit to the crew, particularly the director, Lenny Abrahamson and Jacob's family and support team, for getting such an amazing performance out of such a young boy. We couldn't think of one to match it.
I'd read the book, so knew the story and had particularly loved the fantastic idea of using a 5-year old narrator (which the film honours). My husband hadn't. Half-way through the film he was so upset that he had to beg me to reassure him that it was going to be all right. The man beside him, also with his wife, was so moved that at one point he absent-mindedly reached for my husband's hand. It's THAT moving.
If you've ever been, or had, a loving mum, go and see it. If you've ever been a child, go and see it. Just GO AND SEE IT, please.