Watch Personal Effects
- R
- 2009
- 1 hr 50 min
-
6.2 (9,266)
Personal Effects is a 2009 drama film directed by David Hollander and starring Michelle Pfeiffer, Ashton Kutcher, and Kathy Bates. The movie tells the story of a young man, Walter (Ashton Kutcher), who is struggling to cope with the violent death of his sister, Linda. He decides to move to a new city to attend college and try to find some way to move on from his loss.
Once in town, Walter is taken under the wing of his sister's former boss, Maureen (Kathy Bates), who runs a local boxing gym. Maureen offers Walter a job at the gym, hoping that it will give him some direction and help him to heal. Walter feels lost and directionless, so he accepts her offer.
At the gym, Walter meets Linda's former boyfriend, Clay (played by John Toles-Bey), who is now a widower and a bit of a tough guy. Clay seems initially standoffish, but he and Walter eventually become friends. Clay tells Walter that he thinks Linda was murdered and that he has some information that might help Walter find her killer.
Meanwhile, Walter also meets a grieving widow named Linda (Michelle Pfeiffer), who lost her husband in a car accident. Linda is struggling to cope with her loss and is having a hard time connecting with anyone. Walter and Linda strike up an unlikely friendship and begin to help each other heal.
As Walter's relationship with Linda deepens, he continues to investigate his sister's death, eventually uncovering some shocking truths about what really happened to her. Along the way, he learns about the power of forgiveness, the importance of family, and the healing power of love.
Personal Effects is a beautifully crafted film that deals with heavy themes of grief, loss, and healing in a sensitive and honest way. The performances by all of the actors, especially Pfeiffer and Kutcher, are powerful and moving. The movie doesn't shy away from the darker aspects of grief, but it ultimately leaves the viewer with a message of hope and redemption.
The film's setting is also notable. It takes place in a working-class town in the Pacific Northwest, and the scenery is stunning. The snow-covered mountains, rain-soaked streets, and gritty boxing gym all lend an atmosphere of authenticity to the story.
Overall, Personal Effects is a must-see film for anyone who has experienced loss or who wants to better understand what it's like to grieve. It's a powerful reminder that even in the darkest moments, there is always hope and the possibility of healing. With its talented cast, nuanced writing, and breathtaking setting, it's a film that will stay with viewers long after the credits roll.
Personal Effects is a 2009 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 50 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.2.