Away from Her (2007)

O'Sullivan gives the film an enthusiastic appraisal, calling it a successful adaptation of Alice Munro's story. She particularly praises Sarah Polley's writing and direction, along with Julie Christie's performance.

Ebert’s verdict is positive, finding the film quietly moving. He singles out Julie Christie’s performance for praise.

Schager finds the film a mature, sensitive, and ultimately hopeful study of Alzheimer’s and its effects on a marriage. He particularly praises Julie Christie’s performance and Polley’s nuanced handling of complicated emotions.

Koresky gives the film a warmly admiring verdict, praising Sarah Polley’s empathy and grace. He singles out Julie Christie’s shrewd, articulate performance as the film’s radiating nucleus.

Mackie calls the film quietly powerful and praises its dignity, subtlety, and honesty. He singles out Julie Christie’s performance and Polley’s nuanced treatment of memory and marital resentment.

Robinson finds the film a subdued, moving character study, though its achronological storytelling slightly disrupts its elegiac flow. She praises the subtle performances and its willingness to observe emotions without resorting to histrionics.

Scott gives the film a positive verdict. He singles out Julie Christie’s performance for praise.

The review frames the film as a sober, straight look at an ageing married couple facing Alzheimer’s. The available page text does not reveal what the critic singles out for praise or complaint.

The review finds the film deep, sensitive and emotionally affecting, while noting that its subject may limit its box-office appeal. It praises the performances and Sarah Polley’s restrained direction, especially the tender scenes that avoid sentimentality.

Denby calls the film a minor triumph, praising its challenging intelligence rather than sentimentalizing Fiona’s illness. He singles out Julie Christie’s incisive, forceful performance for making Fiona more than an object of pity.

Richards finds the film glum but accomplished, with its measured approach ultimately making the tragedy more affecting. He praises the leads, especially Julie Christie’s restrained and deeply sad performance, while criticizing the story’s loss of focus and occasional stagy dialogue.

Harvey finds the drama admirable and intelligently focused, though its understated approach may limit its theatrical reach. He particularly praises Gordon Pinsent’s restrained performance, which carries much of the film.

The accessible page provides no critical verdict. It contains no readable praise or complaint about the film.

The review finds the film a tasteful, intelligent character study that successfully stays with the viewer. It praises the performances while criticizing the glacial pacing and overlong running time.

Wilkinson finds the film emotionally powerful despite a couple of reservations. She singles out Julie Christie and Gordon Pinsent for their deeply affecting performances.