Not to Forget (2021)

Not to Forget Poster

A judge sentences a self-centered millennial to take care of his grandmother, who's affected by Alzheimer's. As he realizes the extent of the elderly woman's wealth and becomes her caregiver, the young protagonist gets ever-closer to Grandma and the treasure he's been looking for.

Intro to "Not to Forget"
"Not to Forget" is a 2021 drama movie directed by Valerio Zanoli, acting as his feature film directorial debut. The film stars Karen Grassle, understood for her function as Caroline Ingalls in the classic TV series "Little House on the Grassy field," and also includes a cast of Oscar winners and nominees, consisting of Tatum O'Neal, Louis Gossett Jr., Cloris Leachman, George Chakiris, and Olympia Dukakis. The movie mixes poignant storytelling with a powerful message about Alzheimer's disease and older abuse, meaning to raise awareness and funds for the battle against these issues.

Plot Synopsis
The story centers around a young, self-indulgent thief named Melvin (played by Tate Dewey), who gets into legal problem after yet another act of grand theft car. Faced with the possibility of going to jail, he hesitantly accepts an unconventional sentence-- becoming the caregiver for his grandmother, whom he has actually never met. His grandmother, Jewel (Karen Grassle), experiences Alzheimer's illness and lives alone.

As he handles this caretakership, Melvin is initially disappointed and ill-equipped to handle the challenges of looking after someone with Alzheimer's. Nevertheless, as he hangs out with Jewel, he begins to comprehend the disastrous effect of the disease, not simply on those who struggle with it however also on those around them. Through his journey, Melvin finds out the value of perseverance, compassion, and love.

The audience witnesses the struggle both Melvin and Jewel face, with both characters developing. Jewel, in spite of her weakening memory, imparts wisdom and warmth to her grandson, frequently through flashbacks and stories that display her earlier life. Melvin's character growth is evident as he transitions from a position of unwillingness and selfishness to among compassion and duty.

Styles and Messages
"Not to Forget" takes on the theme of Alzheimer's disease with a thoughtful lens, delving into the difficulties and emotional problems that the condition troubles households. The film stresses the power of human connection, understanding, and forgiveness in the face of adversity and illness. It clarifies the often-overlooked topic of senior abuse and how society treats its aging population, triggering viewers to reflect on the respect and care that older adults are worthy of.

Highlighted is the significance of memory and how it shapes personal identities. The audience is invited to think about how the disintegration of memories through diseases like Alzheimer's can be an exceptionally stressful experience, not simply for the individuals experiencing it but also for their loved ones.

Performance and Direction
Karen Grassle's performance is a strong point of the film, showing a delicate balance in between vulnerability and strength. Her representation of Jewel provides a wholehearted and sensible insight into the trials dealt with by those living with Alzheimer's. The supporting cast of renowned actors includes depth and gravitas to the motion picture, and their ensemble efficiencies help in providing the film's emotional impact.

Valerio Zanoli's direction is significant for the level of sensitivity with which he resolves heavy subjects, directing audiences carefully through hard discussions and reflections. Visual storytelling and carefully crafted scenes complement the narrative, permitting the movie to resonate well with its audience.

Social Impact and Reception
The movie received appreciation for its focus on raising awareness about Alzheimer's illness and the significance of moral obligation toward the senior neighborhood. A portion of the movie's proceeds was allocated to support associated charities, demonstrating the filmmakers' dedication to adding to the cause in both artistic and concrete methods. As an awareness tool, "Not to Forget" exceeds home entertainment to act as an essential conversation starter concerning society's treatment and care of its aging members, triggering both reflection and action.

Top Cast