Watch Lady in a Corner

Lady in a Corner is a compelling drama film about a successful book editor, Grace Guthrie (Loretta Young), who is haunted by memories of her dark past. Brian Keith portrays Dr. Sloat, a psychiatrist who has created a name for himself in the medical field as an expert on trauma-related disorders. The story takes place in New York City, where the two main characters develop a deep professional relationship that soon turns into a romantic one.

The movie begins with a young Grace having to endure physical and verbal abuse at the hands of her alcoholic father. These traumatic incidents leave a lasting impression on her mental health, as she battles anxiety and panic attacks as an adult. Her job at the publishing company keeps her busy, but her mental health issues take a toll on her personal life, including her relationship with her wealthy fiancé, Ray (Christopher Neame), who is eager to get married.

Grace's boss and friend, William (Bruce Davison), encourages her to seek the help of Dr. Sloat, who has been successful in treating patients with similar issues. Despite initial reservations, Grace agrees to meet with him. Dr. Sloat is initially intrigued by Grace's case, which challenges his expertise in treating trauma. He agrees to take her on as a patient and works to uncover the root of her issues, which turns out to be memories of the trauma she experienced as a child.

The two quickly develop a rapport, and Grace begins opening up about her past. As she begins to uncover the painful truths of her past, she finds a new level of comfort and solace with Dr. Sloat. Their relationship deepens as they both start to confront their own personal demons, leading to a deeper romance that's tested when Grace's fiancé comes back into the picture.

Lady in a Corner covers significant ground that addresses the challenges of mental health and the stigma attached to those who seek treatment. Loretta Young's portrayal of Grace Guthrie is a standout as she brings a level of empathy and authenticity to her character, which makes her perceived weaknesses feel like real, understandable struggles. Her chemistry with Brian Keith's Dr. Sloat is palpable, and their interactions are some of the most memorable scenes in the film.

Outside of the main story arc, there are several subplots that flesh out the world. One of these revolves around Lindsay Frost's character, Rachel, who is recovering from her own trauma after losing her child. Her character provides a different perspective on the effects of trauma, showcasing the varied ways that individuals can be impacted by trauma.

In addition, Roscoe Lee Brown's character, Professor Edmunds, gives an incredible performance as a patient of Dr. Sloat, who is going through a midlife crisis as he looks at retirement, reexamining his legacy and hoping to reconnect with his estranged daughter. Edmunds' story offers a different viewpoint on the characters going through moments of self-discovery and healing.

Overall, Lady in a Corner is well-made, well-acted, and emotionally engaging. The film tackles sensitive topics like trauma and mental health, and offers an authentic and empathetic portrayal of those who grapple with mental health issues. The film's ending doesn't wrap up easily or for everyone, but it offers a realistic portrayal of recovery and the courage that it takes to embark on the journey to attain it.

Lady in a Corner is a 1989 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 35 minutes.