What’s the Story?

GRACE IS GONE tells the story of father Stanley Phillips (John Cusack),who faces the heart-wrenching task of informing his two young daughters, Heidi (Shélan O'Keefe) and Dawn (Gracie Bednarczyk), that their soldier mother has been killed in Iraq. Winner of the Dramatic Audience Award at Sundance 2007, this film is a far cry from typical Hollywood war movies, where the battlefields take center stage. This time, those left behind are the ones whose experiences are in the spotlight.

Is It Any Good?

For the most part, director/screenwriter James C. Strouse manages to convey the family's grief in an admirably understated way, and Cusack is very believable as a father. That said, did Stanley have to be such a schlub? Everything from his facial expressions to his shuffling gait spells defeated -- so much so that viewers feel they're dragging, too.

The film starts clumsily, not quite finding its footing in the first half. Humorous early scenes, as when Stanley attends a support group for soldiers' wives, seem forced. But thank goodness for the children, who are clearly and genuinely talented. Soon after the film begins, you lose track of the fact that they're actors. Instead, your heart aches for them and the thought that they, real characters or not, won't grow up with their mother.

Watch Our Video Review Age-appropriate flick

Become a member and get recommendations from other parents based on your child's age.

Tell us your child's age:

monthJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecyear2009200820072006200520042003200220012000199919981997199619951994199319921991

Already a member? Log in

Have you seen it?

Cast & Film Details

Studio

Plum Pictures

Director

James Strouse

Cast

• John Cusack
• Shelan O'Keefe
• Gracie Bednarczyk

Genre

Drama

Run time

85 minutes

Theatrical release

12/07/2007

DVD release

05/27/2008

MPAA rating

PG-13

MPAA explanation

thematic material, brief strong language and teen smoking.

For Your Family