Watch Diane
- NR
- 2018
- 1 hr 22 min
-
4.2 (1,619)
Diane is a 2017 drama film that explores the inner turmoil of its titular character in a poignant and introspective manner. The movie is directed and written by Kent Jones and stars Jason Alan Smith, Carlee Avers, and Margaret Rose Champagne, among others. Diane is a woman in her 70s who is deeply devoted to her family and friends, but who also struggles with personal demons and haunting memories from her past. She spends most of her days tending to her sick cousin Donna (Deirdre O'Connell) and volunteering at a local soup kitchen, trying to find meaning and purpose in her life.
The film follows Diane through a series of encounters and experiences that slowly reveal the depth and complexity of her character. We see her interacting with her estranged son Brian (Jake Lacy), who is struggling with drug addiction and homelessness, and trying to reconnect with him in a meaningful way. We also see her dealing with her troubled relationship with her longtime friend and confidant Bobby (Andrea Martin), who is dying of cancer and feels betrayed by Diane's hidden secrets.
Throughout the movie, we witness Diane navigating her way through various challenges and emotions, trying to make sense of her past and find a way forward. She grapples with feelings of guilt, regret, and loneliness, and tries to find solace in the memories of her late husband and in her faith.
One of the most striking aspects of Diane is its understated and naturalistic approach to storytelling. The film eschews flashy visuals and melodramatic plot twists in favor of a more subtle and nuanced exploration of its characters' inner lives. The camera lingers on small details and moments of stillness, allowing the audience to fully contemplate the weight of each scene.
Another strength of Diane is its strong performances, particularly from lead actress Carlee Avers. Avers imbues Diane with a quiet strength and resilience that makes her both relatable and inspiring. She captures the character's inner turmoil and contradictions with empathy and authenticity, creating a fully-realized and multi-dimensional portrayal of a woman trying to make sense of her life.
The supporting cast is also excellent, with standout performances from actors like Jake Lacy, Deirdre O'Connell, and Andrea Martin. Lacy brings a raw vulnerability to his portrayal of Brian, making him a sympathetic and nuanced character despite his flaws. O'Connell is equally impressive as the fragile and spiritually-minded Donna, while Martin's emotional range as Bobby adds depth and complexity to her relationship with Diane.
Overall, Diane is a beautifully-crafted and emotionally resonant film that explores themes of grief, forgiveness, and redemption in a mature and thoughtful way. It is a quiet and introspective work that rewards patient viewers who are willing to invest in its characters and themes. While it may not be for everyone, those who connect with Diane are likely to find it a moving and deeply affecting experience.
Diane is a 2018 horror movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 22 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.2.