Watch Housekeeping

Housekeeping is a 1987 drama film directed by Bill Forsyth and starring Christine Lahti, Sara Walker, and Andrea Burchill. The movie is based on the novel of the same name by Marilynne Robinson. The film follows the lives of two sisters Ruth and Lucille who are orphaned after their mother jumps off a train to join her husband who had previously died. The girls are then taken in by their eccentric Aunt Sylvie who abruptly re-enters their lives after years of absence.

Christine Lahti gives a stunning performance as Sylvie's peculiar, free-spirited character. She is an independent woman who has no interest in conventional social norms, and instead lives life on her own terms. Sara Walker plays Ruth, the elder of the two sisters who is initially in awe of her Aunt Sylvie's unconventional ways. However, the younger sister Lucille, played by Andrea Burchill, is not so enamored with their aunt, uncertain about her sudden reappearance, and longs for a stable home with the love and care of both parents.

The film beautifully captures the complex dynamics of maternal relationships, the true meaning of family, and the concept of belonging. The story explores the idea of abandonment and the search for identity resulting from the constant upheaval of a person's life. The film's focus is less on character development and more on creating a slow but intense momentum that allows the viewer to appreciate the beauty in the everyday world.

The stunning cinematography captures the natural beauty of the American Northwest and complements the ethereal, dreamlike sequences throughout the movie. The film has a tranquil pace that evokes a somber but serene mood, drawing the audience into the peaceful but often fraught world of Ruth and Lucille.

Housekeeping is both a poignant and thought-provoking movie about the human need for a sense of place, of belonging, and of the ultimate repercussions of the choices we make.

In conclusion, Housekeeping is a tender and visually stunning film that will leave a lasting impression on the viewer. The exceptional performances of the actresses masterfully convey the themes of the movie - loss, identity, and belonging. The cinematography, and score provide a dreamlike intimacy that will have the viewer entrenched in Ruth and Lucille's tranquil world, which is then uprooted by their Aunt Sylvie's unwelcome presence. The film's power is in its quiet moments, where the characters silently contemplate their circumstances and dreams. Housekeeping is a must-watch film for anyone seeking an emotional and introspective experience.

Housekeeping is a 1987 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 56 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2.