Parents' Guide to Isle of Hope

This well-acted stage-to-screen adaptation captures the drama of a fraught mother-daughter relationship. Masterson and Ladd evoke an authentically strained connection between an aging mother and a middle-aged daughter who hasn't forgiven her mom. Masterson's Victoria isn't always likable, but she commands both attention and empathy. And Ladd is still, in her late 80s, a dynamic performer who's ideally cast as a former showbiz star. The supporting actors also give notable performances, including McCarthy as Victoria's patient and empathetic ex-husband and Robards as her put-upon brother. Wallace also does a lot with her small but important role as Victoria and Andrew's daughter. There's not a whole lot of plot here, but the character development is impressive.

Romay's script stays true to the play's structure and cadences, allowing each character memorable monologues that explore a complicated spectrum of emotions: betrayal, disappointment, love, forgiveness, and loss. The movie's last act is slightly too abrupt, particularly a twist involving Eleonor that isn't adequately investigated. But the filmmaker and cast provide an emotional journey that anyone with complicated family relationships will understand. And cue all the applause for Ladd, who proves that Hollywood should make more movies featuring veteran octogenarian actors.