Watch When Love Is Not Enough: The Lois Wilson Story
- PG
- 2010
- 1 hr 36 min
-
6.5 (1,232)
When Love Is Not Enough: The Lois Wilson Story is a 2010 biographical movie about the life and struggles of Lois Wilson, the cofounder of Al-Anon, a support group for families and friends of alcoholics. The movie is directed by John Kent Harrison and stars Winona Ryder as Lois Wilson, Barry Pepper as her spouse Bill Wilson, and John Bourgeois as Dr. Bob Smith, the cofounder of Alcoholics Anonymous.
The movie is based on the book by William G. Borchert, and tells the story of Lois's relationship with Bill Wilson, a struggling alcoholic who co-founded Alcoholics Anonymous. The movie begins with Lois meeting Bill at a party in 1914 and follows their struggles as Bill's addiction spirals out of control, and Lois is forced to make a series of difficult decisions that will shape the course of her own life.
The movie is divided into three parts. The first part of the movie is set in the early 1900s, when Lois and Bill meet and fall in love. The second part of the movie covers the years of Bill's addiction and his subsequent recovery with the help of Dr. Bob Smith. The third part of the movie deals with Lois's struggles after Bill's sobriety, and her work in founding Al-Anon.
Throughout the movie, we see the challenges that Lois faces in her relationship with Bill, as his addiction takes a toll on their marriage and family life. Her decision to stay with Bill, even in the face of his addiction, is driven by her love for him and her belief in the possibility of recovery.
One of the strengths of the movie is its portrayal of the human side of addiction, and the toll it takes on the people surrounding the addict. We see the effects of alcoholism on Bill's relationships with his family and friends, and how it impacts the lives of those around him. We also see the impact of recovery on both Bill and Lois, as they learn to live with the challenges of sobriety and work towards rebuilding their lives.
The performances of the cast are exceptional, with Winona Ryder giving a powerful and nuanced portrayal of Lois Wilson. Barry Pepper's performance as Bill Wilson is impressive, and his portrayal of the complexities of addiction is both realistic and moving. John Bourgeois is excellent as Dr. Bob Smith, providing a much-needed perspective on the early days of Alcoholics Anonymous.
The movie is well-paced and maintains a balance between the personal struggles of the characters and the larger societal issues of addiction and recovery. The movie is a must-watch for anyone seeking to understand the complexities of addiction and the transformative power of recovery.
In conclusion, When Love Is Not Enough: The Lois Wilson Story is a moving and thought-provoking movie that provides a powerful insight into the lives of those impacted by addiction. The movie is a testament to the human spirit and the power of love and forgiveness.
When Love Is Not Enough: The Lois Wilson Story is a 2010 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 36 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5.