I thought I was going to get diabetic acidosis from the ultra sweet and religious context that lead me to expect Grace's problems were going to be explained away, so I was somewhat relieved that events took a serious twist. It's hard to imagine how such a family could have dealt with what Grace actually was and it feels like that fact was used to justify de facto euthanasia, further rationalized by Grace's own supposed desire to die.

Some missing context details, such as how Grace had been institutionalized for so long as the result of an accident and why, exactly, her brother suddenly decided to "do the right thing" by bringing her to his home and family, a question even more emphasized by his sudden reversal at the end, all contribute to the manipulative feel of this move. I can imagine plausible connections to fill in the holes left by these questions, but there's nothing in the story as the movie presents it to support those hypotheticals, leaving viewers with a case for euthanasia, or Social Darwinism, which, if you're predisposed to support you would likely favor this movie for that effect. However, if you're predisposed to oppose those kinds of rationalizations, this move looks like propaganda with a religious buzzz.

Growing up in Kansas I have known real families who suffered tragedy in similar ways. It is a step back in time. Three of the four kids tended to over act but otherwise the acting is very good and the story haunted me long after. Give it a chance. I think some reviewers missed the point. Connie was simply sharing a story based on her childhood experience. Ironically sent away to keep her safe in rural Missouri after a traumatic witnessing of a horrible act in the big Apple. There is tragedy everywhere. It's slow paced but it makes it seem real and I don't understand the reviews that say they weren't touched by the story. It's really about a family's suffering which no one ever deserves but is part of life.

PLOT SPOILER REVIEW.

This is based on a true story: Connie Stevens once read a Steinbeck novel. The beginning of the film introduces Carrie, a 10 year old girl (Rylee Fansler) whose function is to supply some needless narration. She is not a major character in the film and I kept wondering how she was going to fit into the scope of things with Grace (Tatum O'Neal).

Landy (Michael Biehn) has the patience of a saint as he takes in Carrie and decides now would be a good time to get his "crazy" sister to come home against the wishes of the asylum. Grace causes issues, not unlike a Steinbeck novel we all know and love. The film introduces religion into the film which didn't seem to have a point, as did the film itself.

The film was long and slow. It was like watching the rain come down...which we did. The adult performances were spectacular. Michael Biehn was unrecognizable from his normal "B' acting role. Tatum was Oscar worthy consideration. The girls left something to be desired. Too bad Dakota Fanning had to grow up.

Overall, this was a tiresome film by Connie Stevens, who I enjoy more in front of the camera than behind.

No F-bombs or nudity. Brief sex/love scene.