Watch Where the Heart Is

Where the Heart Is is a coming-of-age drama film that was released in the year 2000. The movie stars Natalie Portman, James Frain, and Ashley Judd and is directed by Matt Williams. The film revolves around a young woman named Novalee Nation (played by Natalie Portman) who is pregnant and abandoned by her boyfriend at a Walmart in a small town in Oklahoma.

Novalee, who comes from a dysfunctional and poverty-stricken background, has never had a real home or a family to call her own. She finds herself stranded without any money, proper shelter or a support system. Thankfully, she meets several kind-hearted strangers who help her along the way. One of them is a nurse named Lexie (Ashley Judd) who takes her in and helps her through labor. Novalee ends up having her baby in the Walmart, and the story takes off from there.

With no place to go, Novalee and her baby take up residence in the Walmart, making a home of sorts. In this unlikely setting, Novalee starts to build a new life for herself and her baby. She finds a job at a local library, where she meets Forney (James Frain), a young man who becomes her friend and confidante. Together, they form a bond and help each other navigate the ups and downs of life in small-town America.

As the story unfolds, we see Novalee grow as a person and mother while facing many challenges, including her estranged mother's return, Forney's romantic interest in her, and her own aspirations for her future beyond Walmart. The characters in the movie are beautifully drawn out, and the performances by the actors, especially Natalie Portman as Novalee, are outstanding.

Where the Heart Is is an endearing and heartwarming tale that explores themes of family, friendship, love, and resilience. Director Matt Williams has managed to craft a beautiful, poignant story that captures the essence of what it means to find a home and a sense of belonging. The movie is not without its share of struggles and hardships, but it ultimately leaves the audiences feeling hopeful and inspired.

The film also does a great job of highlighting the realities and difficulties faced by those living in small towns in America, where poverty, teenage pregnancy, and family dysfunction are rampant. It's refreshing to see these issues being tackled with sensitivity and care, without resorting to stereotypes or caricatures.

In summary, Where the Heart Is is a touching and heartfelt movie that is a must-watch for those who enjoy drama and coming-of-age films. With its superb cast, compelling storyline, and well-crafted script, the film will leave you feeling uplifted and inspired. And, of course, it's hard not to fall in love with the charming and endearing Novalee Nation as she navigates the harsh realities of life with grace and resilience.

Where the Heart Is is a 2000 comedy with a runtime of 2 hours. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7 and a MetaScore of 30.