88/365 Trucker

Starring: Michelle Monaghan, Nathan Fillion, Benjamin Bratt, Jimmy Bennett

Genre: Drama

Discovery: Recommendation.

Summary: Diane (Michelle Monaghan), a mom who abandoned Peter 10 years earlier, is forced to take care of him when his father (Benjamin Bratt) gets cancer. Her married friend, Runner (Nathan Fillion), opens up her heart a bit when he declares his love for her.  At first, there is little love lost between the Diane and Peter. She has no idea just what it takes to be a loving parent after living with her guard up for so many years.  Ultimately, their bond is restored as they learn the meaning of love and family.

First Glance: Great cinematography in this movie.  It takes place on the road a big part of the film.  I really felt the expansive nature of the life of a truck driver. Michelle Monaghan played a perfect blend of embittered, fiercely independent woman while exposing a vulnerable woman under her crusty exterior.  She & Nathan had an easy chemistry which was filled with longing looks & unsaid dedication to each other.

Deeper Look: You never know what you are going to get when you get an indie movie about an absentee parent.  It could come of terrifically false if you move too fast or make it play out in an unnatural way.  Neither of those things happen.  The director took the time to show us two very uncomfortable characters getting to know each other all over again. That paid off.  I was sold on the story of this woman who didn’t understand what it was to be a mom; yet, by the end of the story opened herself to learning.  Diane grows up so much through the film.  The boy (Jimmy Bennett) had the best chip on his shoulder only overshadowed by his desire to know if his mom really wanted & loved him. Beautiful moment at the end between the two.

What I Took Away from this Movie: It is never too late to step up to the plate and let your heart love.

Final Glimpse: Slow, meandering movie about a mother/son relationship.