Please Give - A Movie Review

Make decisions that are right for you.

Please Give is a 2010 film. In New York City, a husband and wife butt heads with the granddaughters of the elderly woman who lives in the apartment the couple owns. As each person continues with everyday life, their interactions provoke new issues and relationships.

There are always movies that surprise you. Please Give is a sophisticated film about life, relationships, and growth. I thought the film was too simple at first until it made a genuine depiction of how people can change.

The film stars well-known actors, such as Catherine Keener and Oliver Platt, who play Kate and Alex. Both convey the film’s message effectively and bring subtle nuances to their performances. Some of their decisions are not appropriate which they fix themselves. Kate has a selfish nature but learns in this thought-provoking way about how she can change.

Rebecca Hall was another reason why I wanted to watch this film. She is a magnificent actress. I highly recommend you watch her in The Night House, an underrated thriller. Hall’s character doesn’t have time for romance, unlike her sister, Mary, played by Amanda Peet.

This is a very different role for Peet. Most of the roles she’s been cast in present her as a respectful and pleasant person. Here Peet plays a self-absorbed woman. That’s the power of acting. Every actor needs a chance to play a different personality.

The highlight of the film is the late Ann Margaret Guilbert as Andra, the old tenant and grandmother of Rebecca and Mary. Andra is a very critical woman who never has anything pleasant to say. She takes a gift and dumps it down the trash bin. Guilbert’s deliveries are priceless! My grandmother cracked up at that scene.

Please Give implements different generation perspectives. Abby (Sarah Steele) does the usual teen thing where she says snide remarks and begs her parents to stay out of her life. Steele enforces impressive subtle nuances in her performance. Although Abby doesn’t like to talk about personal matters with her parents, she connects with Rebecca.

The dialogue is written well. There are a lot of conversations throughout the film, but every moment is integral. Nicole Holefcener is known for her direction of simple stories. She’s directed films like Enough Said (2013) and Can You Ever Forgive Me? (2018). I like how she writes about personal storylines we can all relate to, delivering a profound message.

She was inspired to write Please Give based on the apartment situation in the film. She gives the characters depth and connects with the audience. The actors were all intrigued and excited to work with Holofcener mostly for the script and the independent angle of the film.

Please Give is a story about communication and relationships. Holefcener revealed the subtleties of relationships. When you see that couple across the street holding hands, remember that every relationship has a history. We need to be honest about feelings, especially in relationships.

Please Give is a heartfelt and real story. Think about what other people are doing because you are not the only one with problems. We can learn about our choices, though changes take time.

Heads up, the very start of the film showcases how the mammogram process works. Several women’s breasts are shown. It was an odd way to start the film, but at least it instilled important recognition for women to stay healthy.

Check out Please Give (2010). It may not move at a fast pace, but this film really touched me. It’s streaming on Amazon Prime.