There’s an awful lot to like about the charmingly ordinary “I’ll Be Right There,” a heartfelt slice-of-life film that may not be the most memorable, but is one that captures the complexities of family dynamics in relation to the mundane routine of everyday existence. Director Brendan Walsh’s project features a believable, straightforward story about a blue collar family that feels both real and relatable, which makes this movie appealing to a wide range of audiences.
Wanda (Edie Falco), divorced and juggling the demands of her chaotic life, is having herself one hell of a day. Her pregnant daughter (Kayli Carter) and fiancée are expecting their first baby any day now, and Wanda’s ex-husband (Bradley Whitford) is now backing out of ponying up his fair share for the wedding. Wanda’s mother (Jeannie Berlin) believes she’s dying of a terminal illness and likes to spend too much money at the local casino. Her wayward son (Charlie Tahan) is teetering between going to rehab or joining the Army, and Wanda herself is stuck in a relationship with a new boyfriend (Michael Rapaport) and girlfriend (Sepideh Moafi), neither of which bring her much happiness. Juggling far too much for one woman to handle, Wanda is left with little time to take care of one of the most important people of all: herself.
It sounds like a goofy sitcom of a story, but there’s a sincerity here that elevates screenwriter Jim Beggarly’s material. This isn’t great art by any means, but it’s a casually honest tale of motherhood and family that consistently rings true. The relationships and dynamics feel genuine and are portrayed with humor, warmth, and sincerity, making it easy for the audience to connect with the characters and their struggles. The sense of place grounds the story in a world that feels lived-in and true to life.
Falco is well cast. While she may not be the strongest actor in the ensemble, she brings a highly likable and relatable quality to her character. She fits the part by embodying the worldly weariness and strong resilience of a woman doing her best to hold everything together.
While the film manages to maintain a believable tone throughout, the final ten minutes introduce a contrived (and expected) twist that might pull some viewers out of the story. The ending is a bit forced in its attempt to wrap up the story in a satisfying way, but it’s also charming enough to overlook Walsh’s over reliance on sentimentality.
“I’ll Be Right There” is a sweet film about family, relationships, and the importance of standing up for yourself. It may not be perfect, but the authentic characters and genuine storytelling deliver a touching portrayal of life’s everyday challenges.
By: Louisa Moore
Screen Zealots 