Watch Grandma

Grandma is a 2015 comedy-drama film directed by Paul Weitz and starring Lily Tomlin, Julia Garner, and Marcia Gay Harden. The movie follows the story of a grandmother named Elle Reid (Lily Tomlin), who has just broken up with her girlfriend and is dealing with the aftermath of that while also facing financial troubles. We are introduced to Elle as she is ending her relationship with her partner, Olivia (Judy Greer). Soon after, Elle's granddaughter, Sage (Julia Garner), comes to her for help. Sage is pregnant and needs $630 to pay for an abortion. This sets off a road trip that sees Elle and Sage driving around Los Angeles, trying to find the money. The movie is not just about the search for the money, however. It's also about the relationships Elle has with the people in her life. We're given a glimpse into her past, and the mistakes she's made, particularly in her relationship with Sage's mother, Judy (Marcia Gay Harden). Elle is a complicated character, and it's refreshing to see an older woman like her at the center of a movie. Lily Tomlin's performance as Elle is outstanding. She's sarcastic, witty, and devastatingly honest. She doesn't sugarcoat anything, and that's something that comes across in her interactions with everyone she encounters on the journey. Julia Garner plays Sage, a young woman who is scared and overwhelmed by her situation. Garner's portrayal is nuanced and touching, and she holds her own against the powerhouse that is Tomlin. Another standout performance comes from Marcia Gay Harden as Judy. Judy is Elle's daughter and Sage's mother, and she has a fraught relationship with both of them. Harden's performance is heartbreaking, particularly in scenes with Tomlin, where we see the damage that has been done between these two women. Sam Elliott also appears briefly as Karl, Elle's ex-husband and the father of Sage's mother. The movie's message is clear from the start – women helping women. The movie is unapologetically feminist, and it's wonderful to see a film with so many strong female characters. The women in this movie are flawed, but they're also resilient and smart. They make mistakes, but they keep going. There's a real sense of solidarity between them, and it's inspiring to see. The movie was shot on location in Los Angeles, and the city is almost like a character in its own right. We see a wide range of locations, from a tattoo parlor to a coffee shop to an old bookstore. The movie has a real indie feel to it, and it's refreshing to see a movie that's not afraid to take risks. The writing is sharp and witty, particularly in the scenes between Elle and Sage. The relationship between these two women is the heart of the movie, and it's a real joy to watch them bicker and bond as they try to raise the money. The dialogue feels authentic, and there are some great one-liners that will stick with you. Overall, Grandma is a movie that's not afraid to deal with tough subject matter but does so with warmth and humor. The performances are fantastic across the board, and Lily Tomlin's Elle is a character that will stick with you long after the credits roll. This is a movie about feminism, family, and the power of women supporting each other. It's a must-see.