The Cake Eaters - A Movie Review

It’s funny how time looks. A lot changes over the years.

The Cake Eaters is a 2007 film. When one family’s son returns, his presence stirs up past issues. In another family, Georgia, a young girl makes friends with Dwight. Adventures ensue as the families learn how times have changed.

For a simple film, The Cake Eaters has a strong and impactful story. Nobody is ever sure of what’s going to happen in life. Relationships are studied in a subtle manner as we realize faults and forgive.

I am impressed with the cast’s ability to examine the story of their characters. They feel like real people who have been living out their lives. The Cake Eaters is the best example of a snippet of life. There are a lot of subtle stories that we don’t know about. I like when films do this. You don’t need to know everything that has happened in a character's life.

Hands down, Kristen Stewart is exhilarating in her performance. Georgia has a disease that affects her ability to walk. Acting is not only mental. It is all about physical transformation. Not having much time, Georgia is in a rush to find love. This was the ultimate acting challenge for Stewart to which she succeeded.

Aaron Standford is wonderful in his role. I have never seen him in a film. Stanford studied all of Dwight’s emotions and his backstory. Even though he shows little emotion, he says so much through his eyes. Dwight is a sweet guy who is sometimes awkward.

I liked all the interactions between Dwight and Georgia. They worked well together, particularly in their first interaction. Having different desires, they are still here to give one another advice they need. Still, there is a significant age gap, both as characters and between the actors.

The Cake Eaters has several different characters, each bearing similar dilemmas. It’s all about family relationships. Elizabeth Ashley was the best grandmother. She had a great sense of humor. Jayce Bartok, Bruce Dern, Miriam Shor, and Talia Bolsom were all excellent.

One of my favorite roles was Stephanie (Shor). Hairdressers make a difference. All hairdressers deserve recognition for their work. You may not know it, but hairdressers help you out in more ways than one.

Guy (Jayce Bartok) could have had more to do with the story. He has been away from his family for a long time which created a dilemma, but I feel like the conflict was wrapped up too fast. There was also a romance that occurred between Guy and Stephanie in the past, but that doesn’t go anywhere.

The film has a simple tone and yet there is so much more to its depths. For her directorial debut, Mary Stuart Masterson did a wonderful job instituting the atmosphere of this town. Each subplot was given proper time to evolve. It’s calming, yet mysterious. We’re unsure of what will happen next.

Camera angles scanned everything that is noteworthy. There’s a nice soundtrack. There are a lot of quiet moments in the film. It’s a compelling story brought out by the cast. Be aware that sensitive topics are discussed.

The Cake Eaters is the best example that we are all human. We have our faults and make mistakes. We can learn from those mistakes to be better. Some decisions are tough though we have to do what’s right for the people who we love. Forgiveness is a value.

You have to see this film for its reflective message. I recommend The Cake Eaters to anyone who is in search of a new movie.