Movie Review: PIECES OF A WOMAN

PIECES OF A WOMAN
Director: Kornel Mundruczo 
Writer: Kata Weber
Staring: Shia LaBeouf, Vanessa Kirby, Ellen Burstyn, Molly Parker
Drama / 126 mins
January 2021
Streaming: Netflix 

In this dramatic, heartbreaking film, Sean (LaBeouf), and Martha (Kirby) have decided on a home delivery for their first child. When she goes into labor, Martha doesn't feel right. When the midwife shows up their hopes of becoming new parents are destroyed.

Grieving, the couple decides to file criminal charges against the midwife, Eva (Parker).

The movie shows how the two attempt dealing with grief in their own ways. The ways are not exactly compatible. The differences make each seem less sympathetic toward the other. It makes the scenes more complex and compelling, and heartbreaking.

There isn't much more I can do to summarize the film, as it is a traumatic drama with only a glimpse --a small glimmer-- of hope at the very end.

The opening thirty minutes of the film, prior to even the screen Title appearing, is nothing short of intense. (It does carry-on a bit), but it shows the relationship between the couple, and teases at the expected hopes and dreams of a future family.

I love Shia LaBeouf. When I first saw him on Even Stevens, I knew the kid was going to grow up into a big star. He may have hit some rough mental patches. Isn't that almost expected with childhood actors as they grow up? Regardless, he is back and making some fantastic dramatic films. (An example would be The Peanut Butter Falcon). In this role he plays to the best of his ability a supportive husband who tries to deal with the anguish of loss and crushed dreams.

Not knowing much about Vanessa Kirby (The Crown), I wasn't sure what to expect from her performance. However, the actress blew me away. Her performance was authentic, and gut-wrenching. She impressed me with her obvious on-screen talent. I have the feeling Kirby will continue to land lead roles, as she clearly carried the film.

Interestingly, and sadly, the movie (and the play) are based loosely based on the true story, as experienced by the director (Mundruczo) and the writer (Weber), who in real life are married to one another.

Phillip Tomasso
Author of the Contemporary Drama, BEFORE THE SUN SETS