Watch Jacqueline and Jilly

Jacqueline and Jilly is a 2018 drama film that explores the complicated relationship between a mother, her daughter and her granddaughter. Directed by Richard Brooks, the film stars Victoria Rowell as Jacqueline, a successful lawyer who is estranged from her daughter Jilly (Nikki Crawford) and her granddaughter, Sammie (Nina Millin). Daphne Reid plays Harriet, Jacqueline's best friend who tries to bridge the gap between the three generations of women.

The movie opens with Jacqueline receiving a phone call from Harriet, who just found out that Jilly is in the hospital due to a drug overdose. Jacqueline immediately rushes to the hospital, where she reunites with Harriet and meets Sammie for the first time. Sammie is a smart and ambitious college student who has been raised by Jilly alone after her father died when she was young.

Jacqueline is surprised to see how different Sammie is from the image she had of her granddaughter. She had always presumed that Jilly had never properly raised Sammie, and had always assumed the worst of her granddaughter. Now, Jacqueline is forced to confront her own prejudices and assumptions as she tries to reconnect with her daughter and granddaughter.

The film shines a light on the challenges of parenting, particularly when raising children in difficult circumstances. Jilly, a single mother struggling with addiction, is shown to be constantly battling personal demons as she tries to provide for her daughter and maintain a relationship with her own mother. Jacqueline, on the other hand, is shown to be distant and emotionally detached from her family, leading to a strained mother-daughter relationship.

As the film progresses, we see the three women struggle to find common ground and reconnect with each other. Jacqueline, in particular, has to work on herself and let go of her preconceptions about Jilly and Sammie. Harriet becomes a sort of mediator between the three generations, helping them work through their issues and find a way forward.

The performances by the cast are commendable, especially Victoria Rowell as Jacqueline, who brings depth and nuance to the character. Her evolution from being a detached mother to reconnecting with her family is a heartwarming journey. Daphne Reid's portrayal of Harriet is equally impressive. She brings a quiet yet commanding presence to her character, who serves as the voice of reason amidst the chaos.

The film tackles a number of sensitive issues, including addiction, race, and family dynamics. However, it never feels preachy or didactic. The themes are explored through the lens of a family drama, which makes it more relatable and engaging for the audience.

Overall, Jacqueline and Jilly is a heartwarming and poignant drama that will resonate with viewers who have struggled to connect with their family members. It offers a realistic perspective on the complexities of family relationships and how they can evolve over time. The movie is a reminder that it's never too late to make amends and seek forgiveness, and that family is worth fighting for.

Jacqueline and Jilly is a 2018 drama with a runtime of 2 hours and 4 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4.