Losing Chase

Losing Chase is a 1996 Golden Globe-winning TV movie starring Helen Mirren and Kyra Sedgwick. While it isn't one of Mirren's most widely discussed works, it offers a clear demonstration of her incredible range and skill. Mirren's career has been a mix of triumphs and missteps, yet her legacy remains solid-she may not hold the same immediate recognition as Meryl Streep, but she has unquestionably carved out her own legendary place in cinema.

In the film, Mirren portrays Chase, a mother grappling with severe depression and emotional instability. To help her cope, her family hires Elizabeth, played by Kyra Sedgwick, a caretaker who attempts to support and guide her through her struggles. The relationship between these two women forms the emotional backbone of the story, and both actresses bring nuance and authenticity to their performances. Mirren conveys a palpable vulnerability and simmering tension, while Sedgwick provides a grounded, empathetic counterbalance that keeps the narrative anchored.

The story itself, however, feels somewhat dated. While it was well-directed and written for its time, the pacing and quiet tone make it a slow, introspective watch rather than a gripping drama. It's a character-driven piece that prioritizes emotion over action, which can feel both meditative and uneventful. Despite the Golden Globe recognition, the film didn't receive an Oscar nomination, suggesting that while it succeeds in many areas, it ultimately falls short of achieving true cinematic greatness.

From a contemporary perspective, Losing Chase is more of a niche viewing experience. Fans of Helen Mirren will likely appreciate the chance to see her tackle a complex, nuanced role, and Kyra Sedgwick's performance adds further depth. But as a whole, the film doesn't leave a lasting impression beyond its emotional moments, making it more of a one-time watch than a timeless classic.

Part of what makes Losing Chase interesting is its exploration of human fragility and interpersonal connection. The film isn't flashy or plot-driven; instead, it dwells on the subtleties of character interaction and the slow, sometimes painful process of emotional healing. For viewers who enjoy quiet, thoughtful storytelling, it offers moments of genuine insight into the dynamics between caregiver and patient, and between family members trying to help someone in crisis. While it may not appeal to a broad audience, it rewards patient, attentive viewers with performances and themes that linger quietly after the credits roll.

Overall, Losing Chase is a solid, thoughtful drama with strong performances at its core, but it's not a film that demands repeated viewings. It's best approached as an interesting piece of Helen Mirren's body of work and a reminder of her ability to carry a story with subtlety and power.

While the first half feels predictable and very TV movie, the performances are good enough (especially Helen Mirren) to keep it going.

And in the second half, this tale of a collage student mother's helper hired to help a woman in an angry depression after suffering a nervous breakdown gets more complex and unpredictable.

The relationship between the two women, and they way their damaged souls play off each other is quite moving and grown up.

Strong subtle direction by Kevin Bacon.

Does take a hit for over the top performances from the kids, and other key small roles, all playing types, not human beings.

Chase Phillips (Helen Mirren) is having a nervous breakdown and her businessman-away-from-home husband hires Elizabeth (Kyra Sedgwick) to take care of the household and their 2 sons. But Elizabeth has her own demons to face, her family has a history of mantal illness, which arises with Chase's self destructive behaviour.

The movie is about the relationship between these 2 women and is mostly predictable and even banal, but the acting is very good. Helen Mirren is superb as usual, and Kyra Sedgwick is doing quite a good job herself. Not bad for Kevin Bacon's debut film as a director.

I suppose that this movie would have set with me better 30 years ago. From the viewpoint of 2025 I found it disappointing in the end. There was a lot of energy and synergy with the casting and that just fizzled.

Some scenes were not really needed. (pretty much all of the scenes with locals interacting with Elizabeth (Kyra Sedgewick)) the exception being the bartender who set the tone for future developments.

Beau Bridges as Richard seemed real if a bit out of touch and his reactions were spot on for the character.

Call me a hopeless romantic but I really wanted a whole different movie and at least 30 more minutes as Chase (Hellen Mirren) drives to the pier. Never the less there were some tender and beautiful moments it is definitely worth a look.

It's a shame the script and theme didn't quite do her justice. Kyra Sedgewick also gives her all and Kevin Bacon's directorial debut is great - he captures the atmosphere amazingly well and I was surprised to find on the credits that Lake Ontario and its shore stood in for Martha's Vineyard and the Atlantic.

I thought it a shame that a sexual component was introduced to the slow awakening of Chase (Helen) from her "nervous breakdown" - a condition brought on by her disillusion at living a life of pretense with her husband, a man who loves her and is ashamed and baffled by her slide into depression.

This awakening is brought on by Elizabeth (Kyra), the mother's helper employed for the summer. A deep friendship develops between Chase and Elizabeth. Some of the scenes are overblown - the sports car, the borrowed yacht, but some are also magical, the kites, the garden.

Very very slender movie and quite touching at the end.

6 out of 10.