Watch Still Alice

Still Alice is a poignant and powerful drama film that was released in 2014. The movie revolves around the life of Alice Howland, a renowned linguistics professor, who is diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's disease at the age of 50. The film is based on the novel of the same name by Lisa Genova. The lead character, Alice, is portrayed by the immensely talented Julianne Moore, who delivers a heart-wrenching and nuanced performance that truly brings the character to life. Alice is initially portrayed as a highly accomplished and intelligent woman who is at the peak of her career as a professor. She is a loving wife to her husband John (played by Alec Baldwin) and a devoted mother to her three grown-up children.

As the film progresses, Alice starts experiencing memory lapses and other symptoms that indicate that something is not right. She becomes increasingly agitated and frustrated as she struggles to remember basic things like her own address or the name of a person she just met. She consults with various doctors who all give her the same diagnosis - she has early-onset Alzheimer's disease which will gradually worsen over time.

The film is a moving portrayal of the impact of Alzheimer's disease not only on the person who is afflicted but also on their loved ones. The relationship between Alice and her family is put to the test as they struggle to cope with the devastating news. Her husband John, who has always been supportive of her career, becomes more distant as he grapples with the reality of Alice's condition. Her three children, played by Kate Bosworth, Hunter Parrish, and Kristen Stewart, each react differently to the news, and the strain on the family dynamic is palpable.

One of the most powerful aspects of Still Alice is the way it portrays the gradual deterioration of Alice's mental faculties. The film shows how the disease affects her ability to think linearly, retain information, and communicate effectively. Moore's performance is masterful, and she manages to portray the various stages of the disease with sensitivity and authenticity.

The movie also highlights the importance of support and empathy for those dealing with Alzheimer's disease. Alice is fortunate to have a daughter who is also a medical student, and who is able to provide her with valuable advice and support. The film shows how caregivers and loved ones can help those with Alzheimer's disease maintain their dignity and quality of life despite their rapidly diminishing mental faculties.

The film's production values are impeccable, and the cinematography is breathtaking at times. The score by Ilan Eshkeri is haunting and adds an extra layer of emotion to the proceedings. The movie's pacing is deliberate and measured, and it never feels rushed or melodramatic. The script by Richard Glatzer and Wash Westmoreland is subtle and nuanced, and it never resorts to cheap sentimentality or emotional manipulation.

Overall, Still Alice is a powerful and moving film that deals with a difficult subject matter in a way that is both realistic and compassionate. It is a must-watch for anyone who has been affected by Alzheimer's disease or knows someone who has. The film's powerful message of empathy and understanding will stay with you long after the credits roll.

Still Alice is a 2015 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 39 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.5 and a MetaScore of 72.