Common Sense Media Review
By Sandie Angulo Chen
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Uneven indie drama tackles mortality with fabulous cast.
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Frankie
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
Director Ira Sachs' drama FRANKIE chronicles one day in the life of Françoise Crémont, aka Frankie (Isabelle Huppert), an acclaimed French actress who's gathered her blended family to Sintra, Portugal, for a final European vacation together. The family includes Frankie's son, Paul (Jérémie Renier); her second husband, Jimmy (Brendan Gleeson); his daughter, Sylvia (Vinette Robinson); and Sylvia's husband, Ian (Ariyon Bakare), and teen daughter, Maya (Sennia Nanua); as well as Paul's father/Frankie's "gay ex-husband" Michel (Pascal Greggory). It turns out that Frankie is dying (cancer), so she wants her loved ones to spend quality time together one more time. But she's also invited her dear friend, movie-set hairstylist Ilene (Marisa Tomei), to join them as a last-ditch effort to set Paul up with someone she thinks will be good for him. Ilene, unaware of Frankie's intentions, throws a wrench in the plans when she arrives with her boyfriend, aspiring director Gary (Greg Kinnear).
Is It Any Good?
A fantastic international ensemble makes for a decent family drama in a gorgeous setting, but overall the movie is less impressive than its excellent cast. Beloved French actress Huppert is always worth watching; her acting is authentic, subtle, and expressive. Naturally it's believable that she could play a world-famous actor who's struggling with her mortality. As her devoted husband Jimmy, Gleeson is a study in anticipatory grief. He's a man who's not ready to fully accept that his wife isn't long for this world. Tomei's role, on the other hand, is the least compelling.
Frankie's central premise is promising: A dying legendary actress wants to bring together her eccentric blended family. But as the story (and the day) continues, the uneven screenplay meanders into several subplots that vary greatly in interest and importance. Ilene and Gary's relationship is a bore, Sylvia's marital angst is seemingly unjustified, Maya's coming-of-age vacation romance feels like it's in another film altogether, and Michel's presence with his Portuguese guide is unnecessary. On the other hand, Paul and Sylvia's step-sibling rivalry and odd chemistry could have been more deeply explored, as could Sylvia and Ian's inexplicably rocky marriage. Sachs' multigenerational films are always interesting, but this is one audiences will appreciate (for its cast and beautiful landscapes) rather than fully enjoy.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Frankie's multigenerational themes. How do each of the generations respond to the vacation? What, if any, experiences do they have in common?
Who in the movie do you consider a role model? What character strengths do they display?
Several of the relationships depicted here are in crisis. Which ones do you think handle their challenges in the healthiest way?
What does the movie say about how fans treat/idolize public figures, celebrities, and artists? Why do you think Frankie stays at the birthday party for a complete stranger?
Movie Details
- In theaters : October 25, 2019
- On DVD or streaming : February 18, 2020
- Cast : Isabelle Huppert , Marisa Tomei , Brendan Gleeson
- Director : Ira Sachs
- Inclusion Information : Gay Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Sony Pictures Classics
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Friendship
- Character Strengths : Empathy , Gratitude
- Run time : 98 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : brief strong language and some sexual material
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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