Watch The Parting Glass

The Parting Glass from 2018 is a poignant drama about a family struggling to come to terms with the untimely death of their youngest member. The film follows the story of Leigh (played by Anna Paquin), a successful New York City journalist who returns home to Scotland to attend the funeral of her younger sister, who died suddenly while working in a medical mission in Africa.

As Leigh and her family (played by Denis O'Hare, Cynthia Nixon, Ed Asner, and Melissa Leo) gather to mourn their loss, they also come to realize how little they really knew about their sister's life and the secrets she kept hidden from them. Through a series of flashbacks, the film explores the complex relationship between the sisters, as well as their relationships with their parents and extended family.

The Parting Glass is a beautifully crafted film that is equal parts heartbreaking and uplifting. Director Stephen Moyer (best known for his role on the hit TV show "True Blood") expertly balances the film's emotional weight with moments of humor and levity, making for a deeply human and relatable movie that will resonate with anyone who has experienced grief or loss.

At the heart of the film is Anna Paquin's stunning performance as Leigh, a woman struggling to come to terms with her sister's death while also grappling with her own personal demons. Paquin brings a raw vulnerability to the role, making her character's pain feel palpable even as she tries to maintain a stoic exterior. Similarly, Denis O'Hare and Cynthia Nixon give nuanced performances as the parents trying to hold their family together in the face of tragedy. Melissa Leo also shines in a supporting role as the sisters' eccentric aunt, bringing a sense of playfulness and warmth to the film's heavier moments.

One of the film's greatest strengths is its use of flashbacks to fill in the gaps of the sisters' relationship. As Leigh and her family try to piece together the events leading up to her sister's death, they are forced to confront the ways in which they were both present and absent in her life. These scenes are expertly crafted, using subtle details and small moments to paint a vivid picture of the sisters' bond.

Overall, The Parting Glass is a moving and deeply affecting film that will stick with viewers long after the credits roll. With its strong performances, emotional resonance, and expert direction, it is a testament to the power of storytelling and the ways in which we carry our loved ones with us, even after they're gone.

The Parting Glass is a 2019 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 35 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.5.