Watch In the Gloaming

In the Gloaming is a 1997 HBO film that explores the complexity of familial relationships as two parents struggle to come to terms with their son's AIDS diagnosis. Directed by Christopher Reeve, the film stars an ensemble cast, including Glenn Close, Bridget Fonda, Whoopi Goldberg, Robert Sean Leonard, David Strathairn, and Kevin Spacey.

The movie opens with 24-year-old Danny (Leonard), who has been living with AIDS for four years, returning home to spend his final days with his family. His father, Martin (Strathairn), has never come to terms with Danny's sexuality, and his mother, Janet (Close), is struggling to accept the reality of her son's impending death.

As the family gathers together and navigates the difficult conversations surrounding Danny's illness, viewers are introduced to the relationships between the various family members. Martin is distant and judgmental, blaming Danny's illness on his sexuality and refusing to accept help from his wealthy brother, Robert (Spacey). Janet, meanwhile, is wracked with guilt and overwhelmed by her grief, but determined to spend as much time as possible with her son.

In the midst of this emotional turmoil, there are moments of levity and tenderness as the family members share memories and work to create new, meaningful experiences together. Bridget Fonda gives a touching performance as Danny's sister, Anne, who struggles to balance her own grief with the need to be strong for her family. And Whoopi Goldberg brings a quiet strength to her role as Luanne, Danny's nurse and confidante.

The film is shot in a way that highlights the beauty of the natural surroundings, with scenes of the family walking through the woods or sitting by the river lending an air of calm and reflection to the emotional intensity of the story. The music, composed by the legendary Bill Conti, is understated but poignant, perfectly complementing the tone of the movie.

In the Gloaming is a powerful exploration of love, loss, and the ties that bind a family together. With its all-star cast and sensitive direction, the film is a moving portrait of a family struggling to find meaning and connection in the face of tragedy.

In the Gloaming is a 1997 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 1 minute. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1.