Danielle Solzman
Led by a career-best performance from Mary Kay Place, Diane tells the story of a Massachusetts woman who puts others before herself.
Time flies by for Diane (Mary Kay Place)–this is a woman who rarely puts herself first. When we’re first introduced to her, it’s at the hospital to show support for her cousin, Donna (Deirdre O’Connell). If she’s not showing care for Donna, she’s trying to deal with the mess that is her son, Brian (Jake Lacy). Brian is a drug addict and even though he claims he’s not back on, we don’t quite know if he’s telling the truth. Regardless, this relationship is one of many that drives the film. On top of everything, Donna is still troubled by an event from her past–one that plays better without spoilers so I’ll stop there.
Putting aside Place’s performance, there’s something about watching Jake Lacy in this film. I’m so used to seeing him in comedies but this is one of the most dramatic performances I’ve seen yet. It’s a strong supporting turn in that regard.
I’m sure that there are mothers out there who lead similar lives. They put everyone else first before the whole self-care thing and taking a step back or two. Let this film show you that you’re not alone and others are out there!
Critic-turned-filmmaker Kent Jones’s narrative feature saw three jury wins when the film debuted earlier this year in Tribeca. These awards came for the film itself, cinematography, and screenplay. The screenplay of which is personal for the filmmaker because Diane is based on his mother.
DIRECTOR/SCREENWRITER: Kent Jones
CAST: Mary Kay Place, Jake Lacy, Deirdre O’Connell, Glynnis O’Connor, Joyce Van Patten, Phyllis Somerville, with Andrea Martin and Estelle Parsons
