Watch She's The Best Thing In It

She's The Best Thing In It is a 2015 documentary film directed by Ron Nyswaner. The movie follows Mary Louise Wilson, one of the most acclaimed American actors of her generation, as she mentors young actors in a small-town drama program in Steubenville, Ohio. The film opens with footage of Wilson on stage playing the role of Big Mama in Tennessee Williams' Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. The scene fades to black, and we hear Wilson's voice-over explaining her abrupt decision to leave the production and fly to Steubenville to teach a class. The reason for her departure is not revealed until later in the film, but it is clear that it has to do with an ongoing struggle with the industry and a longing for a more fulfilling purpose in life.

Wilson arrives in Steubenville, a working-class town struggling with economic hardship, and is greeted by a group of eager young actors. They include James, a confident and talented teenager who dreams of making it big in Hollywood, and Emily, a shy and reserved girl who struggles with anxiety and self-doubt.

The film follows Wilson as she guides the students through a series of exercises and workshops, imparting her wisdom and experience on the aspiring actors. She encourages them to dig deep into their own emotions and use their personal experiences to inform their performances. We see the young actors grow in confidence and skill as they take on challenging scenes and monologues.

Interspersed with the class footage are interviews with Wilson's friends and colleagues, including fellow actors Tyne Daly and Melissa Leo, who praise her talent and dedication to the craft. They also offer insights into Wilson's temperament and personality, describing her as fiercely independent and stubborn, but also vulnerable and sensitive.

The heart of the film, however, is the relationship between Wilson and her students. We see the actress become emotionally invested in their lives, sharing personal stories and offering advice on everything from acting technique to personal relationships. She becomes a surrogate mother to many of them, providing a sense of stability and support that many of them lack in their own lives.

The film also explores the broader themes of aging and the struggle for relevance in a youth-obsessed industry. Wilson is candid about her own struggles with ageism and the fear that her best work is behind her. She reflects on the challenges of balancing art and commerce, and the toll that the industry can take on one's psychological and emotional well-being.

Overall, She's The Best Thing In It is a poignant and insightful portrait of one of America's most respected actresses, and a moving tribute to the power of mentorship and the transformative nature of art. Its message about the importance of nurturing and supporting young talent is especially relevant today, as the entertainment industry continues to grapple with issues of diversity and representation. The film is a must-see for anyone interested in acting, filmmaking, or the creative process in general.

She's The Best Thing In It is a 2015 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 14 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2.