You're Not You - A Movie Review

Find someone who sees you. Never give up on the greatest battle.

You’re Not You is a 2014 film. A classical pianist is diagnosed with ALS. Stubborn about others helping her, a brash college student becomes her caregiver. The bond that they create is unbreakable.

Although a sad subject matter, I was driven to You’re Not You for its notable acting talents. It was tough to watch, but it was still worth it. We need to understand ALS and its debilitating effects. Documenting the journey of ALS, this film teaches anyone how to keep their head high and keep living life.

Hilary Swank and Emmy Rossum achieved outstanding talents. By creating a strong friendship, you never know who will come into your life and make a difference. This film is all about their growing dynamic. I would see another film with them together. How and why did they not get nominated for their raw and genuine performances?

This is my favorite role of Rossum’s. It was a very contrasting role in comparison to her usual good girl roles in other films. Oftentimes, she didn’t get the best direction, making it hard to connect to her characters. But here, Rossum is mesmerizing. Disorderly, and irresponsible, but has a good heart, Bec learns the duties of responsibility.

I am so proud of Hilary Swank for taking on a bold role like this. Contorting her body and transforming her speech cycles, Swank pays respect to all those fighting the disease. Kate has a different way of looking at things but faces the truth.

I hoping for a better outcome with Evan (Josh Duhamel). Honestly, I don’t think I detest a movie character more than him. At first, doting on his wife, helping her with everything, Evan is a liar and a cheater.

One part (out of several others) that infuriated me was when Evan returned home very late one night, he is seen at work the very next day not even worried that Bec took Kate to her place without telling him! I shook my head at one of his decision.

The film struggled with its side characters. For their small parts, Marcia Gay Harden and Frances Fisher’s roles deserved to be expanded. As the conservative and overbearing mothers of the women, they have a lot to say about the situation.

In my opinion, Gwen (Fisher) should have had more scenes in the beginning to develop her character. We’re just suddenly introduced to her character near the end.

That goes for John Ritter, too. As Bec’s love interest, Wil comes in and out of the story mainly to ask Bec if she is ready to date him yet. He is important to Bec’s development.

Editing for You’re Not You was well-achieved. Scenes are quick and to the point. It doesn’t need to show us everything. We already know. The way scenes dipped into complete silence was also a clever technique by George C. Wolfe.

You’re Not You is a heartwrenching film to watch. It’s not a complaint, but once Kate is unable to speak, it’s very hard to understand her. I get why Wolff didn’t apply subtitles. He wanted audiences to endure this devastating journey.

This movie will make you feel an assortment of emotions which is the point. You will feel angry, and sad, and you may feel happy. Wolfe puts new meaning to the disease to make audiences feel something different.

Visceral films like You’re Not You are important. I wouldn’t recommend You’re Not You for how sad it is, but performances by Swank and Rossum make it worth the watch.