I watched this while also.reading the book. Acting was good, performances were authentic, but I was so disappointed with the modernization of the story. Part of the charm and appeal of the novel was the post-WW2 setting, The nuances between the class differences & immigrants was somewhat present, but no where close to that found on the page.

All of that said, this is a story that does make us all stop and listen. Cummings shines as the antique store owner, I also appreciated that the trigger-worthy moments were not dwelt on, but shared only enough to set context. Overall, a thoughtful movie that would have been better served set in the appropriate decade.

It's not what I anticipated but also not dreadful or ambiguous as some reviews imply. The writing feels unfocused and messy but perhaps it's intentional to reflect that life is messy (there's a line spoken that says as much).

Not hard to follow, it's a fairly basic plot but feels hollow in delivery and drags in parts that are unnecessary to move the story forward or hang too long on moments after the point is made. The subject matter is emotionally heavy (has grit and opportunity to explore deeper) yet the vibe is too light, lacking substance.

We get glimpses of why Belita is broken and about Diana's mental health issues but too much is left unsaid, unexplored. There is a conclusion for both women yet I feel unsatisfied with the story. Slow movie but fast wrap up is how it feels.

I would've been fine if I skipped it. Not worth watching. It's not good, not bad, just blah.

Benita Parla (Julia Mayorga) is struggling after trauma. She finds possible safe harbor in an antique store owned by Peter Kessler (Alan Cumming) and Diana Van der Laar (Katie Holmes) who is dealing with mental illness.

Katie Holmes is the director and co-writer. This is the first of her as either that I've seen. I'm not a big fan of her acting since her Dawson's Creek days. I like the lead and some others although Katie's acting remains an issue. As a director/writer, at least she's trying to do something different. The slow pacing really gets to me. I have difficulties with this film. This movie either speaks to you or not. I'm not hearing it.