All That We Love
doesn’t make an impression as a lovable film at first glance. Margaret Cho stars as Emma, an empty nester dealing with the aftermath of her family dog Tanner’s death. Emma’s life seems to spiral: she faces job frustration, confronts the return of her ex-husband Andy (Kenneth Choi), and must accept her daughter Maggie (Alice Lee) moving to Australia with her boyfriend.
Examining the Chaos in Emma’s Life
The one bright spot seems to be Emma’s friendship with Stan (Jesse Tyler Ferguson), who is also dealing with a personal loss and chooses to cope by purchasing a motorcycle. As Stan comforts Emma, she re-evaluates her relationships. Ferguson’s character set the tone early on when he remarked, We’re here. If we’re doing this, we’re doing this.
Diverse Reactions from the Audience
The film premiered at Tribeca 2024 and was directed by Yen Tan. It includes moments of Cho’s signature comedic flair blended with drama, as previously seen in Fire Island. However, the script co-written by Tan and Clay Liford doesn’t fully leverage Cho’s abilities, making line readings often feel deadpan.
Cara Cusumano‘s words highlight this film’s emotional potency: Whether grappling with everything from the crisis of global democracy to the most intimate of human dramas, it was heartening to be reminded of the… power of a great film to illuminate our world.
The Nuances and Awkwardness
A few moments stand out in their comedic awkwardness, such as when Missi Pyle’s character Kayla asks Emma if she can be fired during layoffs. Other quirky interactions involve Andy living with his social media influencer sister Raven (played by Atsuko Okatsuka).
Exploring the Emotional Depths
The relationship between Emma and her ex-husband, an ex-alcoholic, feels mismatched. Andy exudes a rugged appeal that contrasts sharply with Emma’s high-strung demeanor. The narrative heavily centers on Emma’s grief for Tanner, who symbolized the lasting bit of conventional family in her life.
Maggie’s contemplation of relocation marks a significant storyline shift: Alice Lee’s dialogue aligns with themes of new beginnings when she says, The move to Australia symbolizes a fresh start, new beginnings.
Catharsis and Renewal
The final scenes highlight Emma spreading Tanner’s ashes as a form of letting go. The ghostly presence of Tanner momentarily suggests deeper layers to explore within the story.
Emma’s decision to adopt a new dog named Sal symbolizes another step toward emotional renewal. Yet this seemingly clichéd growth is supported by Cho’s performance, which argues that there might indeed be hope behind those actions.
The Heartwarming Moments
The moment where Emma interacts with her new dog Sal strikes a notable contrast against much of the film’s otherwise melancholic tone. This juxtaposition emphasizes that hope can surface in unexpected ways.
Maggie‘s cinematic journey toward empowerment continues: Her daughter Maggie […] now is considering moving to Australia with her partner.
Follow Us
