Return to Zero

We somehow missed this fine movie nine years ago when it came out, but presently found it on DVD at our public library.

It is about a couple who are expecting their first child, a boy, they will name him Arthur, they paint his room blue and prepare for the job of raising their son. But something happens, tragedy strikes, and they have to re-evaluate their whole lives.

The story is based on a real couple who went through this, the DVD extras include remarks by the husband who wrote about it and directs this movie. So what is presented is highly authentic.

Paul Adelstein is the husband, Aaron Royal, and Minnie Driver is the wife, Maggie Royal. Both are excellent in their roles. Driver even co-wrote and co-sings the song over the closing credits. She has a very nice singing voice.

It is not a pleasant subject, on the surface, but turns out to being a good movie.

This was heartbreaking and super well done for a made-for-TV movie. It's a true story following a happy couple who are pregnant with their first child when just before their due date, they learn that the baby has died and will be stillborn.

Return To Zero follows that couple through the devastating grief that follows. The pain expressed here is palpable, raw, and so well shown in its many forms (denial, anger, alcohol abuse) We also get a look at how family and friends don't always know the right things to say.

In a last ditch effort to save their marriage (and ignore the Holiday season) our couple take a trip to Vegas which leaves them facing the terrifying prospect of another pregnancy. There's an excellent extended cast here too along with Minnie Driver who is absolutely fantastic as Maggie. 6/18/14

Don't get me wrong it hits all the made for TV sappy points. It's appropriately condescending to men as all pregnant women movies are supposed to be. The dialog is little too snappy repartee though. But not a bad effort. We've seen this a thousand times. Check all the boxes, men bad women good. But mostly it's a movie about pregnant women and babies for women who don't have kids and likely never will. Why? Because it doesn't really work this way. Sorry but no. In the real world the doctors want to walk away from this sort of thing asap. And in the real world it doesn't split up couples any more than any other medical shock. People without kids think it does but it does not.

After some years, happily married Minnie Driver (as Maggie) and husband Paul Adelstein (as Aaron Royal) are expecting their first child. The affluent couple is understandably excited about the arrival of little "Arthur". However, a tragic occurrence during Ms. Driver's ninth month changes everything. "Return to Zero" is based on a true story, according to the opening. Written and directed by Sean Hanish, it's rare to find believability in the "true story" boast, but this one is genuine. Thanks to Mr. Hanish and his co-stars, it gets off to a great start. Although the couple is wealthier and a little more melancholy than most, we can identify with their circumstance and reactions – for example, Driver's tantrum while returning a gift. Yet, while the basics remain intact, the couple drifts away from the audience as they drift away from each other. We lose touch. The confusing flashback to childbirth and loud Christmas in Las Vegas and seem out of place. After an affair ends abruptly and Mr. Adelstein's father pontificates, an effectively emotional conclusion brings it home.

******* Return to Zero (3/8/14) Sean Hanish ~ Minnie Driver, Paul Adelstein, Alfred Molina, Connie Nielsen

Minnie Driver's performance in this film is one of the most beautiful performances I have ever seen. Andrea Anders was perfect too. This movie is filled with real moments. Many of those moments are hard to imagine for those not touched by losing a baby and are very hard to watch for those who have. Nothing is fake... nothing is "hollywood." This is some of the best storytelling I have ever seen. As the credits rolled... I sat there feeling something... I am not sure what. It was not a good feeling... or a bad feeling... I just 'felt' something very strongly. I am not sure how to describe it... but I know for a fact that no film has ever left me feeling like that before.