Rare Objects

Benita Parla (Julia Mayorga) is struggling after trauma. She finds possible safe harbor in an antique store owned by Peter Kessler (Alan Cumming) and Diana Van der Laar (Katie Holmes) who is dealing with mental illness.

Katie Holmes is the director and co-writer. This is the first of her as either that I've seen. I'm not a big fan of her acting since her Dawson's Creek days. I like the lead and some others although Katie's acting remains an issue. As a director/writer, at least she's trying to do something different. The slow pacing really gets to me. I have difficulties with this film. This movie either speaks to you or not. I'm not hearing it.

I am giving this movie a higher rating simply because the movie resonates with where I am in life, coming to terms with a lot of grief and hard emotions. This movie forced me to slow down and think and feel my own experiences. The movie was slow, there was a lot of room for improvement but I thought it was really beautiful. There was this uncomfortable tension amongst all the characters that was felt and added a certain electricity. It was completely different than expected but much appreciated from my own perspective. This movie won't be for everyone as the ratings reflect. I would have loved a little more development and dialogue.

There are several stories going on here but the central one is a college student called Benita, she lives with her single mom, there is no hint of a father. She attends CUNY and hopes to get a degree in Economics. She views it as something that will allow her to get a decent job.

But something traumatic happens after she meets a seemingly nice stranger at a bar. It disrupts her entire existence. She gets help, ends up in a facility that treats people with emotional and/or drug and alcohol issues. When she gets out she does not tell her mom about it all, but does say she is "taking a break" from college.

Katie Holmes co-wrote the screenplay and directs it. She also has a prime role as a woman of a wealthy family but who has no control of her life. She and Benita meet at the facility and become friends.

Benita is determined to get her life back on track, she interviews for a job working in a store that sells antique items to wealthy customers. Her boss is played by Alan Cumming.

My wife and I watched it on DVD from our public library. The whole movie has an unusual feel to it, including how relationships are handled. Still it was an enjoyable watch as something different, and to see how the various dynamics worked out.

I thought it was terrific. Katie Holmes' performance was exceptional in my opinion. I'm not really familiar with her acting but I was blown away. She was beyond convincing in the role. The facial expressions, the sadness and torment in her eyes. I felt it. I'm surprised at alot of the low reviews on this film. Can't please everyone I suppose.

Great acting all around. Julia was terrific. Not familiar with her until this role. I'm familiar with Alan Cumming - great actor.

It kept my interest. I didn't pause it which is rare for me. Lol. I looked up the movies she's been in and there are a ton of them! I look forward to more of Katie's work.

Recommend it.

Greetings again from the darkness. The emotional turmoil in the aftermath of being the victim of sexual assault is incomprehensible to anyone who hasn't experienced such trauma. Writer-director Katie Holmes and Phaedon A Papadopoulos have adapted Kathleen Tessaro's 2016 novel, transitioning it from depression-era to modern day New York City. At the center of the story are two women, one working diligently to regain some control of her life, and another with a form of mental illness that seems to prevent a return to normalcy.

We first see Benita (Julia Mayorga, "American Rust") as she is ending her stay for therapy. She has been the victim of a sexual assault that led to an abortion. Her reunion with her mother (Saundra Santiago, "Miami Vice") is quite awkward since Benita hasn't told her mom any of what she's been through ... only that she's taking some time off from college classes. As Benita looks for a job in the old neighborhood, we see her visions and flashbacks - what led to the attack, as well as her bonding with Diana (director Katie Holmes) during therapy.

The owner (Alan Cumming) of a local antique shop takes a shine to Benita and not only offers her a job, but also tutors her on how best to deal with their customer base. One of those customers happens to be the same Diana from therapy. It turns out Diana and her brother come from big money, and he does what he can for his sister. Things get interesting when the shop's co-owner, Winshaw (Derek Luke, Holmes' co-star in PIECES OF APRIL, 2003) shows up. Life lessons and philosophical mutterings are sprinkled throughout conversations in the shop, and Benita really values her budding friendship on the outside with Diana.

The lessons here are plenty, and most of them are quite obvious and re-treads from other stories. One can't ever really go home again and have it be the same. Old friends may run into each other, but the connection is different in adulthood (partners, kids, jobs, etc all change people's priorities). We can all make new friends, but if the history isn't there, the bond is only so strong. Alan Cumming offers up the best lesson when he discusses how broken vases can be reassembled, with their repaired cracks creating more beauty and value. Everyone in this movie is broken in their own way, and it's true that for those who persevere, the cracks add strength and beauty. Julie Mayorga is a rising star, and Saundra Santiago, Derek Luke, and Alan Cumming all deliver their usual strong performances. Looking at bad memories as bad dreams can often help folks recover, but true mental illness is a significant battle for all involved. As a side note, this is yet another movie where the background music is played entirely too loud and often interferes with the dialogue and flow.

Opening April 14, 2023.