THE SISTER OF THE GROOM
US, 2020, 93 minutes, Colour.
Alicia Silverstone, Mathilde Ollivier, Jake Hoffman, Tom Everett Scott, Charlie Bewley, Mark Blum, Ronald Guttman.
Directed by Amy Miller Gross.
A wedding comedy, an elaborate Jewish wedding comedy, various functions in preparation, meals, Sabbath celebration, Jewish rituals, the wedding itself, the celebration.
Probably, enjoyment or not of this film will depend on your mood. It will also depend on response to the character, of the title, played by Alicia Silverstone. Initially engaging, perhaps, audiences remembering her past roles especially Clueless, but her losing some sympathy with her attitude towards the bride, protectiveness of her brother, the presence of her father, memories of her dead mother, memories of the house where the wedding is to be celebrated and the groom and his wife with their plans to tear it down and alter it.
Alicia Silverstone is Audrey, would-be architect initially, in love with another architect who has had a successful career and whom she meets at the wedding. She had an abortion when she was young. She is now married to Ethan (Tom Everett Scott, generally a genial screen presence and, for the most part, highly tolerant and understanding of Audrey until he bursts out). They have children in summer camp.
The action takes place over several days, introduction to the bride, French background, her mother and stepmother, her television comedy performer father, rather dominating, various musicians, various friends. The bride, Clemence, is played by Mathilde Ollivier, not initially sympathetic, singing, seeming to have plans about the house… And then there is Liam, Jake Hoffman, the happy then hapless groom.
The crowd which has come for the wedding seem to enjoy many of the celebrations, the meals, but with Audrey, there is growing tension, especially hearing about the alterations to the family home, to be designed by her former boyfriend, and she herself very concerned about the physiology of her stomach, very self-conscious – and then finding that her mother has left a $25,000 in her will for surgery (which her father, in fact, does not have).
One of the highlights is a screaming match on the part of Audrey attacking Clemence. There are further angry complications, overhearing news that Clemence has had an abortion and not told Liam, Audrey gossiping, undermining the relationship, even thinking that she had sabotaged the wedding. However, ever more complications, Audrey having to find address, her behaviour at the wedding party with the former boyfriend, Ethan and finding this an occasion for his blowing his top about their life.
However, the wedding goes ahead, the celebration, except that Audrey sprinkles drugs on one of the cakes and Clemence has a severe turn.
But, the screenwriter has decided that it is to be all’s well that ends well.
