Watch Something to Talk About

Something to Talk About is a romantic dramedy that explores the complexities of love, family, and infidelity. The film stars Julia Roberts as Grace, a successful horse trainer in Kentucky, who discovers that her husband, Eddie (played by Dennis Quaid), has been having an affair with one of her best friends. As Grace confronts Eddie and deals with the aftermath of the revelation, she also has to navigate her complicated family dynamics, which involve a domineering father (played by Robert Duvall) and a feisty sister (played by Kyra Sedgwick).

The movie opens with Grace and Eddie attending the funeral of a mutual friend, where Grace catches Eddie and her friend's daughter in a compromising situation. When she confronts him about it, Eddie initially denies any wrongdoing but eventually confesses to having an affair with her friend. Devastated and betrayed, Grace kicks him out of their house and tries to figure out what to do next.

As she starts to confide in her family and friends about the situation, she realizes that her family has its own share of secrets and infidelities. Her father, Wyly King, is a prominent businessman and horse breeder who has a reputation for being controlling and sexist. He disapproves of Grace's decision to leave Eddie and believes that women should always put their husbands first. He also has a strained relationship with his other daughter, Emma Rae, who is a single mother and struggling artist.

Despite the tension between them, Grace forms a bond with Emma Rae as they confront their family's history of infidelity and patriarchal values. They also team up to challenge Wyly's authority and advocate for gender equality in the horse racing industry. Along the way, Grace tries to reconcile with Eddie and figure out if their marriage is worth saving, while also exploring her feelings for her friend's widower, a charming veterinarian named Eddie Jo (played by Robert Duvall).

The movie deals with themes of loyalty, honesty, and forgiveness, as Grace and her family navigate their complicated relationships with each other and with their partners. It also highlights the importance of standing up for oneself and challenging oppressive social norms, particularly for women in male-dominated fields.

One of the strengths of the movie is its strong ensemble cast, led by the always-charismatic Julia Roberts. She brings a mix of vulnerability and strength to her role as Grace, and her chemistry with Dennis Quaid is palpable. Quaid, in turn, portrays Eddie as a flawed but sympathetic character who is grappling with his own demons.

Robert Duvall is also a standout as Wyly, delivering a nuanced and layered performance as a character who is both unlikable and sympathetic. Kyra Sedgwick brings her trademark spunk to her role as Emma Rae, and the rest of the supporting cast, including Gena Rowlands and Haley Aull, are solid as well.

In terms of the direction and writing, Something to Talk About is a bit uneven. The movie is directed by Lasse Hallström, who is known for his sensitive and emotionally resonant films like My Life as a Dog and What's Eating Gilbert Grape. While he brings his trademark visual style to the movie, some of the tonal shifts between comedic and dramatic moments feel jarring.

The screenplay, by Callie Khouri (who won an Oscar for Thelma & Louise), is similarly uneven. While the movie has some sharp dialogue and insightful moments, the pacing is often slow, and some of the plot points feel contrived. In particular, the subplot involving Grace's affair with Eddie Jo feels underdeveloped and unnecessary.

Despite its flaws, however, Something to Talk About is an entertaining and engaging movie that offers plenty of laughs and heartwarming moments. It's a great showcase for its talented cast, and its themes of love, family, and self-discovery are universal and relatable. Whether you're a fan of romantic comedies or family dramas, there's something in this movie for everyone.

Something to Talk About is a 1995 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 46 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.7 and a MetaScore of 62.