Ruby's Choice

This film provides a good life lesson for many young people. There is something to be gained by being patient and listening to older adults. The fine acting and directing in this film is apparent from beginning to end. Even though we know where the film is going, it is still an enjoyable trip. Michael Budd has a promising future in film. Giles does a fine job as the granddaughter asked to share her room with Jane Seymour (and if she is denied, I would be glad to have her as my roommate). This is fine family entertainment with a brain, so feel free to bring your older children to see it. I finally got some good use out of my free passes. One of the few good films of 2022.

Saw US premiere screening of this Australian film at SBIFF, and was fortunate to have the opportunity to hear from the Director/Producer Michael Budd (who also had a small part in the film - look for him!), and Jane Seymour (the "Ruby").

The film provides a glimpse into daily life and the impact of Alzheimers on families, and on those experiencing dementia. Beautiful acting by three generations of strong women, with Jane Seymour as Ruby, her daughter, Sharon, played by Jacqueline McKenzie, and her granddaughter Tash, played by Coco Jack Gilles. Coco gives an exceptionally powerful performance, and we very effectively see the declining mental health of her grandmother through this teenager's eyes, coincidentally as their relationship and bond grows.

Elements of humor keep the film from being depressing, bringing appreciation and hope into the story. And it was great to hear that 50% of the profits from the film are going to the Dementia Foundation for Spark of Life, an Australian-based charity.

A moving well-written film with great performances from the cast. The dialogue is smart with some of the most authentic Aussie characters I have seen on the screen. The touches of humour strike just the right tone.

This is a wonderful movie, with great portrayls of the exceptionally well crafted characters by the entire cast and especially Jane Seymour in the role of Ruby.

The storyline is so well woven and is a topic which touches so many. It is thoughtfully and lovingly delivered so as to give a real sense of the effect dementia can have on an extended family. Its humour is brilliantly delivered from Rubys treatment of scam callers, to how she drops honesty bombs on Doug.

I'd absolutely recommend this film to anyone.

Quietly humorous in its portrayal of a family trying to care for a mother & grandmother who has dementia. Honest, unflinching and sensitive portrayal of a family coming to terms with the changes a dementing illness causes, and the effects on the whole family. Showing the responses of the health system and available community services to a family in need was brutal but accurate.

Jane Seymour was wonderful. The rest of the cast are all excellent and Tash the granddaughter (Coco Gillies) is an absolute delight.

Congratulations to all involved in the writing and making of this movie - beautifully done.