Before You Know It (2019)

Introduction
"Before You Know It" is an American drama/comedy film, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2019. The movie was directed by Hannah Pearl Utt, who co-wrote the screenplay with Jen Tullock. The main characters are sis Rachel and Jackie Gurner, played by Utt and Tullock, living a somewhat non-traditional life in a falling apart theater in New York City. The surprise discovery of their presumed dead mother living and a famous daytime soap star turns their world upside down.

Plot
The story revolves around the lives of Rachel and Jackie who cope with their eccentric playwright dad Mel (Mandy Patinkin) in the very same building as their family-owned theater. Rachel handles the theater and is the pragmatist among the siblings, while Jackie is a hopeful starlet, filled with impulse and drama. Rachel is under her dad's shadow and Jackie desires act in their dad's plays.

Their world comes crashing down when Mel suddenly dies and the sisters are left to take care of themselves. In the middle of their grief and mayhem, they get a shock when their lawyer reveals that their mother, Sherrell, who they presumed was dead for thirty years, lives and living as a popular soap opera actress (played by Judith Light).

Satisfying their Mother
The siblings, along with Jackie's precocious daughter Dodge (Oona Yaffe), start a journey of self-discovery and familial bonding when they decide to meet Sherrell. The reunion is not as they expect; Sherrell does not acknowledge them as her children and is unapologetic about her past decisions. In spite of the unpleasant circumstance, the sis browse through their feelings, pertaining to terms with their mother's unintentional lack and its impact on their lives.

The majority of the movie explores the sis' relationship dynamics, their latent bitterness, and the procedure of forgiveness. The exposure to Sherrell's world presents the sisters to truths beyond the theater and difficulties their relationships with each other and with their mother.

Performances and Direction
Utt and Tullock shine in their roles, completely balancing the emotional weightage and comical timing of their characters. Judith Light delivers a commanding performance as Sherrell, effortlessly portraying a complicated character with a casual charm.

Utt's instructions is effective, she has developed an amusing and yet emotional tale about familial relationships and self-discovery. The unconventional story, complex characters and nuanced performances make the film engaging.

Conclusion
"Before You Know It" is a touching and heartfelt portrayal of a contemporary family browsing through unprecedented situations. The film skillfully explores styles such as identity, goal, brother or sister competition, and familial bonding, making it a deeply relatable and appealing watch. The film strikes a best balance of comedy and drama, remaining conscious the story and the characters.

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