Pieces of April - A Movie Review

We’re going to have a very nice Thanksgiving - I hope.

Pieces of April gathered for a Thanksgiving dinner in theaters in 2003. April invites her estranged family to Thanksgiving. As April feverishly prepares dinner running about her apartment building for working ovens and last-minute ingredients, the rest of the family reluctantly travels to New York.

I love this movie. Expecting Pieces of April to be the usual dysfunctional family Thanksgiving film, this movie really surprised me. The movie intertwines two story arcs, challenging viewers to embrace change and remain open-minded.

Pieces of April is a slice of life (or pumpkin pie) into the lives of the Burns family. History is evident in this family but rather than relying on excessive backstory about the history of their relationship, this film aims at a more subtle route instead of overusing exposition.

Katie Holmes delivers a compelling performance as April, a character who has battled her own demons and strives to repair her strained relationship with her family. Holmes successfully captures the relatability and authenticity of April.

She is a character worth investing in. I appreciated the moment when April took the time to explain the significance of Thanksgiving to an Asian family, showcasing her thoughtfulness.

Oliver Platt, Patricia Clarkson, John Gallagher Jr., Allison Pill, and the late Alice Drummond portray the rest of the Burns family as they spend a long time driving on the road. Along the way, they encounter a variety of obstacles and deal with their mother’s declining illness.

Clarkson was magnificent in her performance. I have become a fan of Clarkson’s work the more films I watch with her. Grappling with her emotions regarding her difficult relationship with April, she tries to bail out of this invitation altogether.

She has showcased her dramatic range before, but never have I seen her humorous side. Clarkson was funny in one scene where she tricks the family into thinking she was having a serious talk with them. Getting high is another funny moment.

What was the film attempting to do with Bobby (Derek Luke)? I think he should have stayed to help April instead of figuring out his own issues. This story is about April. April and Bobby’s relationship deserved more exploration as they had a good dynamic.

Pieces of April also excels in utilizing its supporting characters, with the residents of April's apartment building playing significant roles. Taking place in a dismal apartment building, some residents are kind, letting April use their kitchens, while others want nothing to do with her.

Some credits include Lillias White, Isaiah Whitlock Jr., Sean Haynes, and several more key roles. No matter how small their parts are, characters are utilized to their full potential.

Pieces of April does a good job with realism. Peter Hedges was smart to direct it in the style of a home movie which enhances the realism quality. The film is a half a road trip mixed with April’s Thanksgiving preparation. The editing effectively presents different components best, displaying the needed perspectives of the characters.

Through the course of the film, the audience is treated to a poignant and often humorous exploration of family dynamics. While the film has a satisfying conclusion, I was shocked when certain characters made a heartless decision that actually enraged me.

Pieces of April is a heartfelt and touching film that explores the themes of family, love, and forgiveness. This film has good comedy along with a thoughtful message that change is possible. Believe in change. Watch Pieces of April on your next Thanksgiving. I definitely will.