Getting Grace

I had the pleasure of not just seeing Getting Grace at the Northeast Film Festival in New Jersey in September 2017, but also meeting the cast and watching their discussion panel.

Let me start by saying this is not my typical kind of movie (no explosions) but I was riveted from the start. Above all else it is a story of the human condition, including everything that makes us who we are: love, sadness, illness, laughter, anger, friendship, painful truths and wishful thinking.

These aren't characters, they're real people that the audience develops feelings for. I'm thankful to have been able to meet the cast - their discussion revealed that their portrayals weren't just great acting, they put their heart and souls into this film and it shows.

Such a uniquly catured story and well written! Comedic and heartwarming! The actors and actresses are Oscar worthy too!! No really!! This is a film you will see and never forget! Has left a special place in my heart! A must see again and again!

There was a lot of laughter in the theater, and a lot of tears shed. Really delightful show despite the heartbreaking subject. The entire cast was excellent but I think Madelyn was spectacular and will go far.

The one word I think of when I describe this movie to friends is authentic. From watching the trailer I had a pretty good idea of what to expect. But when watching the movie and seeing the story unfold I was immediately taken with all of the main characters. The title character, Grace (an outstanding performance by newcomer Madelyn Dundon), is a pebble in a lake and the ripples of her life touch those around her. It's not too often that you see a funeral director in a film that is not a cliche, but Daniel Roebuck (who, impressively, wore 3 hats here, co-writer, star and director) gives an honest and believable portrayal of the funeral director that makes the interaction with Grace real which sets up some funny but also very tender moments. Overall, the movie is sweet, sensitive but also very funny and that speaks to the care that went in to the script that kept the story grounded in real life which, day to day, under normal circumstances, sees joy and laughter turn to tears and sorry. Some movies about a tragic death may be hard to watch, but Getting Grace is handled so beautifully, that to me, it is a movie I can't wait to share with friends. The take aways from this movie are very uplifting.

Getting Grace: you get her or you may not but this movie hopes that you do. From the first moment I met them I liked the characters, Grace and her Mom and I became joyously lost to this story. I say joyously even though cancer is the catalyst for all that is to be. This film is not about cancer, it's about spirit, love and hope. Getting Grace is about a young lady with cancer who in seeking to find answers to what the world and her mom will be like without her manages to touch the many lives she meets along the way leaving their lives a bit better for knowing her and each other. She discovers on her journey that her quirky self will be missed and loved and that her life does matter. It's sweet, sad at times and uplifting. She (Grace) asks questions we think but do not say aloud sometimes. She is brave and hesitant hoping for the best and she is strong and honest, she brings out the best in those whose lives touch hers. It has some great milk out your nose laughs and it may make you cry a little, but you will enjoy the journey.