Blythe Danner makes me believe it’s possible to age gracefully.
In I’ll See You In My Dreams, she plays Carol, a 70-something widow who lives with her beloved old lab, Hazel. Her friends try to convince her to move to their retirement community but she’s comfortable in her home, in her routine, in her skin.
Until life changes. (Hint: The words “beloved old.”)
Suddenly, Carol feels lost and unsure of her purpose. What is she supposed to do with the rest of her life?
Fiercely independent, she’s not used to being lonely, thanks to her gal pals (Rhea Perlman, Mary Kay Place and June Squibb, who could be the new generation of Golden Girls). They encourage her to join them at a speed dating event and she agrees even though she’s been widowed for two decades and has little interest in finding a new husband.
The event is a disaster — a hilarious disaster — which leaves Carol sighing, “I lived a long, healthy life for this?”
She does end up inviting two men into her life, both of whom show up at unexpected times in unexpected places: Lloyd (Martin Starr), her new pool cleaner — a young, depressed poet who lives with his mother — and Bill (Sam Elliott), a charming retiree who sees her choosing vitamins in the drugstore and tells her she doesn’t need any because she’s “just right” the way she is.
Lloyd becomes a friend and drinking buddy but there’s just enough of a hint of an attraction to keep things interesting — and occasionally uncomfortable. There’s a great scene in which he takes Carol to karaoke night where she blows him — and us — away with a moving version of “Cry Me A River.”
The real chemistry, though, occurs between Carol and Bill. Old enough to be done with game-playing, they open up to each other with an authenticity and vulnerability that hold a special poignancy because they both realize time is running out.
Unlike other recent senior citizen offerings like Five Flights Up, with Diane Keaton and Morgan Freeman, and Grace and Frankie, the Netflix series starring Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin, I’ll See You In My Dreams doesn’t go for the cheap laughs or indulge in stereotypes about age. Its funniest scene — Carol and her friends treat themselves to medical marijuana, then go out to the grocery store for midnight munchies — could have been one of those cliches but, thanks to the impeccable actresses, it’s genuinely laugh out loud funny.
Ultimately, though, I’ll See You In My Dreams isn’t a comedy. It’s a thought-provoking coming of old age story that addresses the subject that’s on all our aging minds. How do we deal with new beginnings when we know we’re approaching the end?
Because of Danner — whose quiet and elegant performance at the age of 72 ensures she will no longer be best known for being Gwyneth’s mom — the answer to that question just became a little clearer.
This sounds like a movie my parents will like. I will have to tell them about it 🙂
Substitute “old people” for “my parents”? That’s ok. We are “old people”. 😉
Blythe Danner looks amazing for her age…and naturally, without the help of surgeries or botox. lol I’ll be looking for this movie on Netflix…I love Rhea Pearlman even from the days of Cheers and Sam Elliot too!
I love it when actresses are “real” and just let themselves age gracefully.
Totally skeptical going into this review but a) that preview is smoldering! and b) I always believe you. So looks like Sam Elliot and his cigar will be my date this weekend.
I’m getting very selective about movies these days, so I’m very pleased to see your review of this one. It sounds quite relatable—-well, maybe except for the pool boy flirtation—only because we don’t have a pool. 😉
This sounds great. My kind of movie actually. I’m such a sicker for movies about older people. I will for sure be seeing this. Love Blythe Danner. She and Jane Fonda give me hope!
I would love to see this one. I have always been a big fan of the Golden Girls so if this is the modern day version – it has to be good.
I saw this and it was a cute movie. She’s terrific!
I’ve always loved Blythe. I’ll have to catch this one.
Must see!!! Thanks for another great review, Lois!
Ahhh, it sounds wonderful. I have always enjoyed Blythe Danner as an actress. She has always had that quiet, dignified elegance while still being down to earth. Putting this movie on our list. Wonderful review, Lois.
That has got me really interested. WIll be checking out that movie. Thanks.
I have not even seen an ad for this movie. I look forward to it making its way to this area, it looks really good. Blythe truly does look fabulous.
This sounds like a really good movie. It’s great to see movies about older people that are handled well.
Love her! This looks like a great movie to take my mom to see.
She is gorgeous at any age! I’m really looking forward to seeing this movie!
I often forget she is Gwyneth Paltrow’s mom. I like her so much. Her daughter… not so much lol. Looks like a lovely movie!
Wow that is an awesome cast. This story would really hit home for me too. It sounds so charming!
Sounds like a really lovely movie to sit down and watch on a nice cozy night. What a great cast.
She is such a beautiful woman and great actress. I think this would be a good movie to see on girls’ night out.
I’d like to see the show with Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin in it, just because Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin are in it, lol!
I want to see this – I always liked Blythe Danner – such a class act
I don’t think I’ve seen the previews for this until now. It’s not my kind of movie but I won’t mind watching it on Netflix when it comes out.
I love Blythe Danner. This sounds like a really cute movie to check out some night.
Sounds great. What a great line up of actors! I will have to put this on my list !
that trailer looks great. I probably wouldn’t have even looked twice at this one and now I can’t wait to watch it! Thanks for always sharing amazing movies!
I really want to see this movie with my mom. She’s 71 and windowed for a year now. I so want her to be happy again.
This looks like a really good movie, especially for those who are at the age of retirement and “redefining” their vision of self.
Wow, now this is a great line up. Sounds like it is going to be a great movie. I will probably check it out. Thanks so much for sharing.
Sounds like a nice flick that would be fun to catch with my mom. Thanks for the recommendation.
This sounds like a great movie to see with the girls! I’ll have to check it out!
What a great movie. I am loving the cast. I am sure my mother in law would be thrilled to watch it
I really like Blythe Danner (and honestly, Gwyneth, too.) She just looks fabulous and has had a great career.
This movie sounds like such a great film. I think I will enjoy watching it on my tablet when I am trying to get some “Me” time.
This looks like a great movie to see, I loved her in the Meet the Parents movies!
I think this movie looks really great. Maybe a girls night?
Blythe Danner is one of my most favorite! I am eager to check this movie out
Haven’t seen anything on this movie, but I will be on the lookout for it! I love Blythe Danner!
I”ve always like Blythe as an actress. I haven’t heard of this movie though, will look into it
Sounds like a movie I would enjoy. I really like Sam Elliott – oh my that voice!
Can’t believe she is that old. She looks great.
Blythe Danner is an amazing actress. I always love everything that she is in.
I love Blythe Danner. She is an amazing woman and actress. The movie sounds great
Spot on! Thanks for letting me know about this review via my mention of the movie in Midlife Women group. Cheers. Fun blog.
Wow! A great movie for the guys too. A nice way to grow older in happiness but in a real way. Growing through the ups and downs but what a nice set of actors! Hard to beat.