Back in the 90s when this film was first released, it immediately brought to mind a film about the relationship between an older woman and a young boy under her care, Gloria, by John Cassavettes, also starring Gena. That film had a rawness that overcame its flaws, and centred on the relationship but mostly on the toughness of one woman.
The woman is now older, and coming to terms with different relationships with her children and her neighbours and friends. A sense of isolation that rapidly develops into a sense of abandonment. The films develops too quickly to the latter, but it is in the strength of Rowlands' performance that we reach there with an intimate understanding...
Ignore the opening scenes, the minor cast, the lack of "rawness", but wait for the closing for the full impact of the Lady's performance.
The woman is now older, and coming to terms with different relationships with her children and her neighbours and friends. A sense of isolation that rapidly develops into a sense of abandonment. The films develops too quickly to the latter, but it is in the strength of Rowlands' performance that we reach there with an intimate understanding...
Ignore the opening scenes, the minor cast, the lack of "rawness", but wait for the closing for the full impact of the Lady's performance.