Three sisters return to their home for the third wedding of their twice-widowed mother. But the mother and daughters are forced to revisit the past and confront the future, with help from a colorful group of unexpected wedding guests.
Chuck says:
Well-acted and briskly told, actress Kristin Scott Thomas’ directorial debut, “My Mother’s Wedding,” is a confident first go from behind the camera, an engaging family drama that wisely doesn’t overstay its welcome and deftly balances subtle humor with genuine poignancy.
Thomas is Diana, the matriarch of the title, whose three daughters – Katherine (Scarlett Johansson), Victoria (Sienna Miller) and Georgina (Emily Beecham) – are en route to attend their mother’s third wedding, emotional baggage in tow. Widowed twice, her two husbands were both pilots in the British Navy which shaped Katherine’s career choices as she’s about to be given command of her own ship. Her relationship with her partner, Jack (Freida Pinto) is less assured. Victoria, a successful Hollywood actress, is lonely, her beauty and success intimidating any would be suitors. Meanwhile, Georgina’s marriage is on the rocks, so much so, she’s hired a private investigator to surveil and catch him in the act.
While John Micklethwait and Thomas’ script sounds plot heavy, the film never seems overburdened or overcomplicated. They also resist the temptation to play these situations broadly, the four actresses taking a collectively subtle approach to potentially overwrought moments. There’s a sincere approach by all, James Fleet as Diana’s groom Geoff also impressing with his deft approach.
Thomas doesn’t give any of her characters an easy out where their problems are concerned, instead suggesting that each has the possibility for happiness. This is in keeping with “Wedding’s” unassuming manner which, with its sense of charm, makes for a pleasurable viewing experience.
3 Stars
