Watch Caroline and Jackie

Caroline and Jackie is a 2012 independent drama film that follows the titular characters of Caroline and her sister Jackie on a tumultuous weekend when Caroline visits Jackie's Los Angeles home accompanied by her boyfriend. The film stars Marguerite Moreau as Caroline, Elizabeth Tulloch as Jackie, and David Giuntoli as Ryan, Caroline's boyfriend.

The film's opening scene shows Caroline arriving at Jackie's home, where she is immediately greeted with both warmth and awkwardness. Caroline is a recovering alcoholic and drug addict, and her sister Jackie has taken on the role of her primary caregiver. The relationship between the sisters is complex; while Caroline states that Jackie is her best friend, Jackie harbors deep resentment towards Caroline for the burden her addiction has placed on their family.

Over the course of the weekend, tensions between Caroline, Jackie, and Ryan escalate. Issues from their past are brought to the surface, and each character is forced to confront their own demons. Caroline struggles to resist the temptation of alcohol and drugs, while Jackie grapples with her feelings of anger and guilt towards Caroline. Ryan is caught in the middle of their conflicts, trying to navigate the dynamics of their dysfunctional family.

Throughout the film, flashbacks are used to reveal Caroline's history of addiction and the impact it has had on her relationships with her family members. These scenes serve to deepen the audience's understanding of Caroline's character and lend context to the present-day events unfolding on screen.

The cinematography of the film is nuanced and atmospheric, utilizing a muted color palette and subdued lighting to evoke a sense of intimacy and introspection. The soundtrack, composed by Stephen Lukach, is haunting and melancholic, amplifying the emotional weight of the film's themes.

One of the strengths of Caroline and Jackie is its portrayal of addiction and recovery. The film eschews stereotypes and oversimplification in favor of a nuanced and empathetic exploration of the challenges faced by those struggling with addiction and their loved ones. The performances of the lead actors are excellent, with particular praise going to Marguerite Moreau for her raw and poignant portrayal of Caroline.

Overall, Caroline and Jackie is a gripping and emotionally resonant film that delves deep into the complexities of addiction and family relationships. Its themes of forgiveness, acceptance, and hope offer a powerful message of empathy and understanding.

Caroline and Jackie is a 2013 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 25 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.7 and a MetaScore of 60.