The art of being yourself. Ageless theme Provincial America. Single mother Andy Dowd (Carrie Preston) works as an administrator on a local TV channel, struggles to make ends meet, struggles with an abandoned woman's own complex and tries to mend relationships with a goofy salesman brother and a broken mother. Andy also has a ten-year-old son Josh – a wonderful, intelligent, talented, independent boy. And everything would be fine, but Josh wrestling wave and the company of boys prefers the company of girls, dreams of becoming a cheerleader and without hesitation dresses up in a dress to organize a school presentation of his beloved saint. All these peculiarities of the teenager could be treated with understanding and respect, but the family lives in a small provincial town, where children study mainly in Catholic schools of strict morals. But despite everything, Joshua persistently goes to his dream.
Here's a simple story. But, as usual, the beauty of such slow, chamber films is in the details.
First of all, there is no negative character. Yes, there are funny, ridiculous, there are not very reasonable - but not a single person whom the authors would condemn. Even the nun, Sister Vivian, who tried to guide Josh on the right path and zealously did not accept his attempts to become a member of the cheerleader team, in the end clearly wishes him luck. Dominic’s father, who periodically calls Andy to school because of the boy’s unusual behavior, listens very warmly to her confused confession. Stupid Uncle Alex – Andy’s brother, traveling around the states on a wreck full of all sorts of stuff, realizes that he will have to grow up.
Second, the characters, the actors and the incredible delicacy of the authors. Carrie Preston (Andy) very reliably managed to show a nervous woman tired of instability and personal problems.
The small role of the beautiful actor Michael Emerson, despite the limited screen time, is one of the key roles in the film. He plays Andy's neighbor, tailor Charlie. He is almost the only one who sees in Joshua not a deviation from the norm, but his amazing artistry, subtlety and talent for reincarnation. It is Charles who helps Andy understand what a wonderful boy she was lucky to become. And again, the delicacy with which the authors in short strokes show the character and life of Charlie.
It is impossible not to mention two small, truly comedic roles – sister Vivian, a school teacher, and reporter Holly, vegetating in the daytime news that no one watches.
And, of course, Josh! Young actor Lury Poston the role of the boy was successful without excesses, without playfulness. Sometimes it seems that he is the eldest in this family, but, again, the authors managed to stay within the framework and did not slide to buffoonery.
There is no spoiler to say that everything will end well. No, not perfect! Andy lost her job, but found harmony with herself, her beloved son and brother. Josh got the chance to fulfill his potential as a talented, extraordinary boy. Alex finally realized that family is more important than wandering around the country.
What's the result? A very sweet, kind, unhurried film with a lot of funny and touching moments, leaving a wonderful aftertaste of quiet joy from the fact that everything will be fine.
7 out of 10