I’ll Be Right There Review: Edie Falco Shines in a Typical Family Dramedy

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As a film enthusiast with a soft spot for compelling character studies and Edie Falco’s powerhouse performances, I must admit that “I’ll Be Right There” resonated deeply with me. The movie is like a well-prepared Italian meal – layered, flavorful, and filled with just the right amount of heartache and humor.

How would you phrase “I’ll be right there” in a relaxed manner? It might sound like this: “Give me just a sec, no worries!” This could be used when you want to convey that while you acknowledge the other person’s request, it’s not urgent enough for immediate attention

Under the guidance of director Brendan Walsh, who previously collaborated with Falco on several episodes of Nurse Jackie, and penned by Jim Beggarly, the film I’ll Be Right There showcases the same sharp humor that Falco delivered in her role as Carmela on The Sopranos. Additionally, the movie features a talented cast alongside Falco, adding to its witty and humorous appeal for this new indie production

A Fish (Out of Water) Named Wanda

In the poignant drama “I’ll Be Right There,” the character Wanda, much like the selfless matriarch in “A Christmas Story” (1983), often sacrifices her own needs for her family. Her children Sarah (portrayed by Kayli Carter from Mrs. America) and Mark (Charlie Tahan from Ozark) are nearby, giving Wanda constant availability to attend to their needs. However, there’s a twist – Charlie is a recovering drug addict with unpredictable tendencies, and Sarah, who is pregnant and engaged to Eugene (Jack Mulhern from Painkiller), has a fiancé who is always on edge. This makes Wanda’s selflessness all the more challenging and potentially fraught with tension

Instead of ending the festivities, Sarah desires an extravagant wedding before her child’s arrival. This significant occasion has caused Henry, Wanda’s ex-husband (played by Bradley Whitford at his finest), to express doubts about his ability to contribute financially. What a character! Moving on, let me tell you that Wanda has a blossoming relationship with a new acquaintance, Marshall (Michael Rapaport in top form), who is not only the owner of a bar but also her employer at the bookkeeping firm

Because platonic relationships don’t quite fulfill a certain desire that Wanda has, she encounters Sophie (Sepideh Moafi), who adds a kinky twist to their relationship. At this point in her life, Wanda is becoming more spontaneous and open to trying new experiences, which might also mean exploring different possibilities in the bedroom. The film I’ll Be Right There particularly thrives on keeping viewers intrigued with unexpected sexual subplots like these

‘What Is It You Want, Wanda?’

Across from the attractive yet middle-aged woman named Wanda, there’s Sophie, who is younger and seemingly brimming with vitality. Despite Wanda being overwhelmed with work and on the verge of becoming a grandmother, Sophie continues to praise Wanda’s skills in intimate relationships. Keep going, Wanda! Nevertheless, due to the significant age difference, Sophie refrains from introducing Wanda into her social circles, which is a considerable disappointment for Wanda

Later on, surprisingly, a charming neighbor (Michael Beach) appears in her life, coincidentally reappearing after many years. It so happens that Albert is of the same age as Wanda, and they both happened to go to high school together. Whenever he flirts with her or suggests a casual dinner, Wanda humorously reminds him, “This isn’t a date.”

Although it may appear on the surface that Wanda handles the chaotic arguments between lovers effectively, even in the presence of serious matters like a life-threatening illness, it is significant that it is her mother Grace (the consistent scene-stealer Jeannie Berlin) who receives a leukemia diagnosis. The fact that these challenges seem so personal and impactful on Wanda’s own well-being highlights the incredible selflessness of this family woman, who seems to be dedicated to others 24/7, even working beyond typical hours most of the time

As a film aficionado, I found “I’ll Be Right There” to be a familiar family narrative with an unexpected twist – the profound existential struggle of the character Wanda resonated deeply, even if one isn’t a single mother of two somewhat immature adults. The dialogue between Wanda and her romantic partners, particularly the neglected Marshall, is poignant and raw, as he exclaims at one point, “It’d be better if I were one of your kids.” This reflects the dynamic where these individuals seemingly receive all the affection from Wanda, despite possibly taking her selfless nature for granted. Luckily, it’s Brooklyn native Falco who brings a passionate and thoughtful energy to Wanda, providing a perfect counterpoint to the drama and helping her find her footing in life, ultimately discovering what truly makes her happy

From Brainstorm Media, I’ll Be Right There will be released in theaters on Friday, September 6th.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

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2024-09-04 20:56