title: “Growing Pains” ShowToc: true date: “2022-12-26” author: “Amina Ellis”
“Anywhere”–adapted from the terrific Mona Simpson novel–is a touching but melancholy variation on a tune we’ve heard many times. It’s about how a mother and daughter can love and hate each other in the same instant, about how often children end up raising their parents, about what a lousy place L.A. is to be poor. (In this, the movie recalls the far quirkier “The Slums of Beverly Hills.”) Portman gives a superb, understated performance as a teen who gets whiplash from watching her mother’s mood swings. Sarandon is convincing, but she’s played mouthy, tough-but-tender broads too many times to be a revelation here.
As for the story line, it’s too predictable. It’s a litany of dreams deferred, whereas the novel was rich with life. Adele convinces herself that the pickup artist she met on the beach is going to sweep her away. (“He’s more than just a dentist,” she gushes. “He’s writing a screenplay.”) Ann fantasizes about finding her father and living a “normal” life. A normal life? Not if Adele can help it.
