Deauville 2017 – "Adorable Enemies" by Mark Pellington: meeting with grandma!

The Deauville American Film Festival is already halfway through and continues its momentum with an appreciable feel-good movie: Adorable Enemies. Directed by Mark Pellington, the film introduces Harriet Lauler, an embittered old woman eager to write her obituary even before her death. Things go awry when she realizes that no one has anything nice to say about her. Worn by Shirley MacLaine and Amanda Seyfried, Adorable Enemies (The Last Word in the original version) is an honest entertainment carried by impactful messages.

Strong messages from actresses in shape

Adorable Enemies is one of those feel-good movies that overflow with pep and encouraging messages. Indeed, despite the fact that Harriet's character is absolutely infectious, it is clear that many of the advice she gives to other characters are particularly impactful. Harriet is part of this range of characters as detestable as they are admirable, as her strength of conviction and her ambitions are immense. The advice given to the various characters is not only important to them, but resonates directly in the head of the viewer, who is forced to take stock of his life and his way of being. Are we ambitious enough? If so, do we give ourselves the means to succeed? Should we let fear take precedence over our dreams? So many questions that Harriet likes to throw in the face, in order to force everyone to exploit their potential.

However, Harriet remains an absolutely detestable character in many ways. That's when Anne Sherman comes in, pleasantly played by Amanda Seyfried. Anne represents this category of talented people, but with ambitions stifled by the fear of failure. It also represents humanity and benevolence, which must not be abandoned on pain of becoming despicable people. This is why Anne and Harriet very quickly become complementary, bringing each other their experiences and divergent points of view.

This mix of characters offers viewers a multitude of messages that must be constantly reminded. Ambition must not be stifled, but neither must it trample on benevolence. Success is within reach, but failures must serve as learning… So many things that we are all aware of, but that we tend to leave aside to stay in the apathy and comfort of our little routines.

The duo of lead actresses is doing remarkably well. We think in particular of Shirley MacLaine, incredible in her role of granny-grumpy with a solid shell. Amanda Seyfried does not demerit either, which is very appreciable because the young actress is far from unanimous about her previous interpretations. This main duo is happily completed by a young actress named AnnJewel Lee Dixon. This young premiere does not demerit against these two actresses of Hollywood. To see if it will make a career in the years to come.

Sophisticated staging for an uneven rhythm

The staging of Adorable Enemies will delight fans of symmetry in cinema. Indeed, the staging is impeccable precision, especially when it comes to offering us symmetrically perfect shots. In addition, the management of lights, frames and especially music is particularly successful. The music receives special attention, with a barely concealed tribute to retro radios as well as vinyl format.

However, if there is nothing to complain about the staging, it is a shame to note that the rhythm is quite uneven. If this is not detrimental to the quality of the film, the feel-good movie aspect sometimes leaves room for lengths that could perhaps have been avoided. We think in particular of scenes that would have deserved a faster cut or the sequence not always fluid between the sequences. Adorable Enemies remains , however, despite this small downside, a refreshing and affordable comedy that should suit a very wide audience.

Carried by a trio of endearing actresses, Adorable Enemies is a feel-good movie all in all classic but successful. A beautiful story coupled with important messages about success and personal ambitions. To discover to give yourself a good motivation!

Adorable Enemies Trailer

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=35v37lK8WLA