With the exception of Portman, who swims upstream against her dorky lines and the plot, the actors haven't got a clue how poor people act or react. I will single out Sally Fields for her five minute melodrama. I say we spiral cut her ass and eat for weeks. And as I said before, the dialog is a mess. People just start saying important shit for no reason.
Conflict arises when one character says something that is totally out of place.
The writers and director are very impressed with their ability to preach cliched wisdom that is easily found on statuary at Hallmark. I sure know you aren't going to find it here, no matter how long you dig through the shit. One fucking finger to Hollywood's finest assfucks. Leave the poor people alone. Every single one of you tells me the same lies.