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.

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.

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.

On the 3rd March I was so blessed to be able to go and see the premier of Ruby's Choice, a heartfelt film about an Australian family navigating the challenges of their mother/grandmother's dementia diagnosis. Jane Seymour plays Ruby, a strong, artistic, wise and loving woman who carries herself with such grace you can't help but completely adore her. What I love about this film is that despite her cognitive decline, the true essence of Ruby, her history, her wisdom, her strength is never far from the surface. Whilst her family struggle with the diagnosis and how to adequately support her, the strong and loving relationships, especially between Ruby and her granddaughter Tash (played by the extremely talented Coco Jack Gillies), really shine through and show us that the power of love can overcome the most difficult of life's challenges. This film will touch your heart.