With two seasoned professionals like Bette Midler and Susan Sarandon in a film, it is likely to be at least entertaining and this particular movie does not disappoint.
The plot revolves around the friendship of four women: Marilyn, Louise, Kitty and Alice who have known each other since their adolescence. Over the decades their paths have diverged but they are drawn together by the immanent wedding of Marilyn who has only recently been widowed. We soon discover that there is a long-standing rift between Marilyn (Bette Midler) and Louise (Susan Sarandon). More than 40 years earlier, Marilyn eloped with the man who was Louise’s partner at the time, something Louise has never forgiven her for.
The other two friends conspire to trick Louise into attending the Florida wedding. Naturally, there are all sorts of awkward moments ranging from embarrassing silences to deceptive explanations to at least one rather vicious catfight. Of course, we know that being a comedy, there will be some sort of reconciliation leading to a happy ending. But even here there is a slight twist reflecting that times have changed.
While a feel-good comedy, it is not divorced from contemporary reality as it contains references to more serious matters. At times, the plot digresses to more topical issues. For example, Kitty is an organic cannabis farmer whose daughter has joined a fundamentalist church and, as a result, rejects her gay son. These issues are not trivialised but add a serious aspect to the plot.
While clearly a comedy, its underlying themes are relevant to the modern viewer. There are subtle and not-so-subtle messages we can all relate to. Its four main characters are mature women with a diversity of careers, lifestyles and relationships. In the face of all the emotions of guilt, anger, regret and unrequited love, the overall message is that women’s lives do not stop once they turn forty or fifty.
A more basic premise is the fact that long-term, close friendships matter. The women have different experiences of relationships; one is widowed and about to remarry, one is a career woman who never married, another does not not want to commit and ‘plays the field’. Despite the frictions and estrangements among them, they rely on each other; their friendships sustain them. They form a core which persists despite all their individual trials and tribulations.
While there are one or two convenient plot twists, the story is not far-fetched, it has credibility, especially as the comedy is interspersed with serious elements. We can understand the emotions conveyed by such skilled actresses as Midler and Sarandon. Naturally Louise would feel slighted, angry and bitter towards Marilyn who ‘stole’ her man. We can relate to Marilyn wanting to make amends for the past. Overall, we get why these four women want to preserve their friendships.
Also refreshing that this film depicts romance, marriage and relationships with people who have passed middle age. In its comedic way, its message is ‘life goes on’, despite all the rough patches and the years that accumulate. Even more reassuring is the fact that Hollywood stars like Midler and Sarandon are not afraid to show that they age like the rest of us.
Elements of social critique enhance this entertaining comedy.