Rachel Getting Married (R, 2008)

As the title proclaims, Rachel (Rosemarie DeWitt) is getting married. In the works is a joyful, multicultural wedding -- she's a WASP, her fiance is African American, the theme is Indian -- that promises to embrace everyone into the fold, even Rachel's wayward sister, Kym (Anne Hathaway). On furlough from yet another stint in rehab, Kym's determined to keep it together. But it's not easy, especially when you're confronted by a well-meaning father (Bill Irwin) who hovers and shields the enormous pain he obviously feels, a distant mother (Debra Winger) who's determined to move on even if it means leaving you behind, and a sister who can't quite mask her rage even on the happiest of days. And then there's the past: The consequences of a family tragedy that happened while Kym was high are still omnipresent.

RACHEL GETTING MARRIED is stunningly moving, though there will be viewers who will be frustrated by its pace. It takes its time to blossom, dwelling on moments that many other, lesser films would have skipped (the dishwasher contest, the musical interludes). But in making that artistic decision, director Jonathan Demme manages to get us so invested in his characters that it feels like whatever's happening onscreen is happening to us, and we're unquestionably moved. Long after the credits roll, we'll still be thinking about it.

Kudos belongs to so many: To Hathaway, for reminding us once more -- after Brokeback Mountain -- of her deep well of talent (her big eyes and nearly too-gaunt face serve her well in such a haunting -- and haunted -- role). To the rest of the ensemble for turning in such fine-tuned performances, neither overplaying nor underacting. To the masterful Demme, who allowed the script to breathe. And to screenwriter Jenny Lumet (daughter of acclaimed director Sidney Lumet). One of the things that makes a screenwriter great is the ability to tell the truth, which Lumet does beautifully. If only every wedding ceremony was as unorthodox, as stirring as this one.

Studio: Sony Pictures Classics
Director: Jonathan Demme
Cast: Anne Hathaway, Bill Irwin, Rosemarie DeWitt
Genre: Drama
Run time: 111 minutes
Theatrical release: October 1, 2008
DVD release: March 10, 2009
MPAA Rating: R
MPAA explanation: language and brief sexuality.