Le Second souffle

I didn't take to this one at first. The premise seemed to me ludicrous: Kate (Swank), a severely handicapped ALS patient hires Bec (Rossum), a spaced-out party girl to be her caregiver. The wisdom of this decision and that of the film in general dawned on me in waves.

The characters are ultimately and invariably well written. Hilary Swank should be satisfied with her work here. Emmy Rossum wowed me by making a good part great. I have never been so unimpressed and then so compelled by a character. The film's atmosphere is not one of high cinema and ALS is not always accurately depicted, but everything to do with Bec's character arc is believable and executed to perfection.

It is a testament to the worthwhileness and transformative power of purposeful living.