Just caught up with this film recently as it was shown on Showtime. To say that it was a surprise, it's the least that can be said. I don't remember a anything as deeply felt, and as well done, and without the cheap sentimentality that might have drowned a film about the subject it treats: Aids.
Of course, this film wouldn't probably been made without the vision and the great direction of Mattia Karrell, who also contributed to the screen play. Contrary to what others have said in this forum, it is not a story that requires a box of tissues when one watches it. My own reaction was an amazement on how well the situation is handled, as it never relies of any cheap tricks to convey what is going on between the long distanced siblings. The past comes to haunt the sister, more so than the dying brother, who obviously was too young to realize what had happened to his mother who has died under mysterious circumstances.
Kiefer Sutherland as Roy, the perfectionist brother, is excellent as this man who must confront his own death. It must be terrible for someone in his line of business to realize his own mortality and have to depend in the kindness of a sister that he stayed away for too long. Kyra Sedgwick's take on the wounded Natalie, is too amazing for words. Natalie stays behind because the love she always felt for Roy. She never rebels against this blow fate has dealt her; Natalie shows she is a better person for staying with her brother until the end.
Never, in recent memory, two talented actors have been paired together with such rewarding results. Rounding the cast is Stockard Channing who is the one responsible for the family reunion, but she is a minor player in this film.
The gorgeous cinematography by Robert Elswit is too stunning for words. The musical score by David Fleury makes a great contribution to the mood of the film. Ultimately, thanks to the director Mattia Karrell comes such an unusual film that deals maturely in presenting a real slice of life without formulas.
