Watch Flying Lessons

Flying Lessons is a poignant drama released in 2010 that stars Maggie Grace as a young girl named Sophie. Living in her small town in Kansas, Sophie is emotionally scarred from the traumatic loss of her mother in a car accident. Hoping to escape the pain of her past, Sophie moves to Washington State to live with her grandmother, Lillian, played by Christine Lahti. As Sophie tries to adjust to her new life, she discovers that her grandmother has secrets of her own. Formerly a successful pilot, Lillian has become reclusive and is no longer able to soar like she once did. But when a new neighbor, an elderly man named Henry (palyed by legendary actor Hal Holbrook), enters their lives, Sophie and Lillian start to face their insecurities and past traumas.

The central characters are well-developed, and each one has unique struggles and desires that make them relatable to audiences. Sophie, in particular, is a sympathetic character whose emotional pain and experiences will resonate with anyone who has suffered loss. Maggie Grace does an excellent job portraying Sophie's vulnerability and emotional turmoil as she tries to cope with the loss of her mother while navigating the complexities of adolescence.

Meanwhile, Christine Lahti's Lillian is a complex character whose reluctance to allow love into her life becomes a source of tension between her and Sophie. Lahti delivers a solid performance as Lillian, playing both her vulnerability and her strength with nuance and depth. As Lillian and Sophie begin to open up and connect again, their bond becomes a source of comfort and healing for both.

Hal Holbrook, though appearing in only a few scenes, is a standout in the film's cast. As the wise and patient neighbor, Henry, he helps Lillian and Sophie overcome their barriers and move forward from their past traumas. His character provides a much-needed dose of practical wisdom and kindness, making him an essential catalyst for the film's themes of healing and acceptance.

Another strength of Flying Lessons is its visual aesthetic. The film utilizes the picturesque backdrop of the Pacific Northwest to stunning effect, creating a sense of natural beauty that underlies the story's themes of renewal and rebirth. The film's cinematography is exceptional, showcasing the region's lush forests and rolling hills while crafting a visual style that perfectly complements the film's sensitive, contemplative pace.

Indeed, the film is a slow burner, a contemplative journey filled with subtle character moments and contemplative visuals. It's a mood piece that asks viewers to sit with Lillian and Sophie's pain as they try to find a path forward. However, the pace, which can sometimes be too slow and meandering, leaves the potential to lose viewer interest.

All in all, Flying Lessons is a beautiful and emotionally resonant film about the compelling nature of the human journey. The film delivers a heartwarming message about how love, something transformative, can bring healing even amidst the darkest of times. It is a film that proves to be an immersive experience, where viewers are invited to connect with the characters and feel their moments of sorrow and joy.

Flying Lessons is a 2010 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 44 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.3.