Rare Objects

Benita Parla (Julia Mayorga) is struggling after trauma. She finds possible safe harbor in an antique store owned by Peter Kessler (Alan Cumming) and Diana Van der Laar (Katie Holmes) who is dealing with mental illness.

Katie Holmes is the director and co-writer. This is the first of her as either that I've seen. I'm not a big fan of her acting since her Dawson's Creek days. I like the lead and some others although Katie's acting remains an issue. As a director/writer, at least she's trying to do something different. The slow pacing really gets to me. I have difficulties with this film. This movie either speaks to you or not. I'm not hearing it.

There are several stories going on here but the central one is a college student called Benita, she lives with her single mom, there is no hint of a father. She attends CUNY and hopes to get a degree in Economics. She views it as something that will allow her to get a decent job.

But something traumatic happens after she meets a seemingly nice stranger at a bar. It disrupts her entire existence. She gets help, ends up in a facility that treats people with emotional and/or drug and alcohol issues. When she gets out she does not tell her mom about it all, but does say she is "taking a break" from college.

Katie Holmes co-wrote the screenplay and directs it. She also has a prime role as a woman of a wealthy family but who has no control of her life. She and Benita meet at the facility and become friends.

Benita is determined to get her life back on track, she interviews for a job working in a store that sells antique items to wealthy customers. Her boss is played by Alan Cumming.

My wife and I watched it on DVD from our public library. The whole movie has an unusual feel to it, including how relationships are handled. Still it was an enjoyable watch as something different, and to see how the various dynamics worked out.

I thought it was terrific. Katie Holmes' performance was exceptional in my opinion. I'm not really familiar with her acting but I was blown away. She was beyond convincing in the role. The facial expressions, the sadness and torment in her eyes. I felt it. I'm surprised at alot of the low reviews on this film. Can't please everyone I suppose.

Great acting all around. Julia was terrific. Not familiar with her until this role. I'm familiar with Alan Cumming - great actor.

It kept my interest. I didn't pause it which is rare for me. Lol. I looked up the movies she's been in and there are a ton of them! I look forward to more of Katie's work.

Recommend it.

This movie is about looking at your life. Enough is enough - More can kill you.

People and Society expect you to be as much as possible. If you have ability then you have to use it to progress as far as you can. This movie says - just enjoy what you want to be. Less is More.

The two Mum's represent the pressures that Society put on you. The antique shop guys represent a world where you can enjoy who you are - but even that can be sad if you lose your soulmate - but even that can be pisitive if you reflect on the joy that it brought.

This movie is great - if you are willing to hear, rather than just listen.

When I first read the summery, I was hoping not to watch just another revenge or vindication story and I am glad I didn't judge the book by the cover. I thought to myself, let's give it a try simply because of the stars playing in it. I was very pleasantly surprised.

It is more of a realistic approach to human nature, how lives intertwine and friendships are formed. The story evolves around human emotions in a very delicate way. Thanks to the brilliant writing I was watching and experiencing a huge range of complex human emotions, and the even more brilliant acting made it impossible to look away. I often get easily bored by American produced money making blockbusters and ending up stop watching, not this time.

Rare Objects is hugely underrated, we need more movies like this!