Ruby's Choice

Saw US premiere screening of this Australian film at SBIFF, and was fortunate to have the opportunity to hear from the Director/Producer Michael Budd (who also had a small part in the film - look for him!), and Jane Seymour (the "Ruby").

The film provides a glimpse into daily life and the impact of Alzheimers on families, and on those experiencing dementia. Beautiful acting by three generations of strong women, with Jane Seymour as Ruby, her daughter, Sharon, played by Jacqueline McKenzie, and her granddaughter Tash, played by Coco Jack Gilles. Coco gives an exceptionally powerful performance, and we very effectively see the declining mental health of her grandmother through this teenager's eyes, coincidentally as their relationship and bond grows.

Elements of humor keep the film from being depressing, bringing appreciation and hope into the story. And it was great to hear that 50% of the profits from the film are going to the Dementia Foundation for Spark of Life, an Australian-based charity.

A moving well-written film with great performances from the cast. The dialogue is smart with some of the most authentic Aussie characters I have seen on the screen. The touches of humour strike just the right tone.

Like many Australian movies this movie as well intentioned as it is had many flaws. To start with there are too many main characters and a few too many family issues to deal with in one movie. It has also been made on a low budget and that is telling. Poor location settings, bad lighting and poor sound mix and production don't help this intense and emotional drama. Having been through dementia with my own mother I could certainly identify with what what happening to Ruby (Jane Seymour) but also had some issues with the way her decline was portrayed. It was all pretty depressing. I fondly remember some very funny moments with mums demise. Her frank and fearless commentary about her life which was often at others expense, her forays into a fantasy world and her getting lost and once ending up at the races and being taken back to the home by police. Having said that Jacqueline McKenzie gives a stellar performance as the daughter and the young woman who plays the granddaughter is also good (Jack Gillies) . Stephen Hunter as the father is excellent as the husband. There are many confusing things in both the plot and the structure of the film but it does give the audience a strong insight into the whole condition of dementia. 3 stars.

Ruby (Jane Seymour) lives alone and is struggling with dementia. Her husband died 5 years ago, but she keeps expecting him to come home. She hasn't kept up with the bills and she almost burns down the house. She is forced to move in with her daughter Sharon (Jacqueline McKenzie). Sharon's husband Doug (Stephen Hunter) fears for his job and their daughter Tash (Coco Jack Gillies) is frustrated to share her room with her grandmother. It doesn't help that her uncle and angry cousin Jack (Sam Rechner) have moved into the crowded home. At school, Jack either ignores Tash or downright bullies her.

This is effective family drama dealing with an aging elder. The actors are great led by veteran Jane Seymour doing some dementia acting. Sometimes, people do too much, but she does fine. If I would make one change, I would eliminate the Pirates from the story. There is just a little too much stuff in the two hours long movie. The climatic scene with the Pirates bullying kinda comes out of nowhere. That scene would work better with Jack's friends. Jack could come in later and deal with the situation. That seems more fitting.

This is a wonderful movie, with great portrayls of the exceptionally well crafted characters by the entire cast and especially Jane Seymour in the role of Ruby.

The storyline is so well woven and is a topic which touches so many. It is thoughtfully and lovingly delivered so as to give a real sense of the effect dementia can have on an extended family. Its humour is brilliantly delivered from Rubys treatment of scam callers, to how she drops honesty bombs on Doug.

I'd absolutely recommend this film to anyone.