Getting Grace

I had the pleasure of not just seeing Getting Grace at the Northeast Film Festival in New Jersey in September 2017, but also meeting the cast and watching their discussion panel.

Let me start by saying this is not my typical kind of movie (no explosions) but I was riveted from the start. Above all else it is a story of the human condition, including everything that makes us who we are: love, sadness, illness, laughter, anger, friendship, painful truths and wishful thinking.

These aren't characters, they're real people that the audience develops feelings for. I'm thankful to have been able to meet the cast - their discussion revealed that their portrayals weren't just great acting, they put their heart and souls into this film and it shows.

Such a uniquly catured story and well written! Comedic and heartwarming! The actors and actresses are Oscar worthy too!! No really!! This is a film you will see and never forget! Has left a special place in my heart! A must see again and again!

The one word I think of when I describe this movie to friends is authentic. From watching the trailer I had a pretty good idea of what to expect. But when watching the movie and seeing the story unfold I was immediately taken with all of the main characters. The title character, Grace (an outstanding performance by newcomer Madelyn Dundon), is a pebble in a lake and the ripples of her life touch those around her. It's not too often that you see a funeral director in a film that is not a cliche, but Daniel Roebuck (who, impressively, wore 3 hats here, co-writer, star and director) gives an honest and believable portrayal of the funeral director that makes the interaction with Grace real which sets up some funny but also very tender moments. Overall, the movie is sweet, sensitive but also very funny and that speaks to the care that went in to the script that kept the story grounded in real life which, day to day, under normal circumstances, sees joy and laughter turn to tears and sorry. Some movies about a tragic death may be hard to watch, but Getting Grace is handled so beautifully, that to me, it is a movie I can't wait to share with friends. The take aways from this movie are very uplifting.

I was lucky to be at one of the sneak peaks last night and what a BRILLIANT film this is! I know that to say "I laughed and I cried" is pretty cliche, but it was never quite so true before. This is truly a joyful comedy. Yes, Grace is a teen-aged girl dying of cancer, but the movie is so much more about how she touches the lives of those around them and teaches them to live life to its fullest. She asks all the tough questions and drags people into doing what makes them happy. Daniel Roebuck really kills it as the funeral director Bill in the story, and the fact that he also wrote, directed and produced this film is truly impressive. Madelyn Dundon is a newcomer to film and you would never know it if it weren't in the credits. She is subtle and authentic and truly delightful to watch. I am not a "laugh out loud" person yet I guffawed several times. And then suddenly, I'm crying and you are SO in love with Grace and ALL the characters who are going to miss her that by the end you can't stand to see her go. Ultimately, this is uplifting and glorious, but to say you experience all the feels is an understatement. Highly, highly, highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys life and all it brings.

There was a lot of laughter in the theater, and a lot of tears shed. Really delightful show despite the heartbreaking subject. The entire cast was excellent but I think Madelyn was spectacular and will go far.