Cloudburst is a poignant story about love, family and life. It’s the kind of movie that really touches your heart and stays with you for years to come.
A cloudburst is a sudden and significant storm. In a cloudburst, you would encounter heavy rain, thunder and possibly even hail. Cloudbursts are short in duration, but incredibly powerful. The movie Cloudburst is no different.
The trailer for Cloudburst intrigued me. Seeing a story about an aging lesbian couple hit home. I could see my future with my wife in Stella (Olympia Dukakis) and Dotty (Brenda Fricker). I could also relate with Dotty’s granddaughter, Molly, played by Kristin Booth, as my wife and I are both dealing with aging family members. The realism of the movie and its relatable nature grab you from the very first scene. It’s genuine and it’s true. It is beautifully written, being both powerful and poignant.
We live in an age of exploding cars, gratuitous sex and subpar remakes in our movies. Rarely do we watch a film about people. An emotional, character-driven story line, Cloudburst is that rare gem that stands out from all other films. Cloudburst, for me, is akin to such life-changing movies as Life is Beautiful and Seven Pounds. These are the movies that move us. They reach further than your heart, they touch your soul.
The dialogue between Stella and Dot is uncanny. Their timing is impeccable. You’re not watching two actresses; you are watching an older, but still dedicated and very much in love couple. Their dynamic is nothing short of pristine. Between Dukakis’ perfect quick, dry sarcasm and colorful language and Fricker’s absolutely impeccable timing, you are thoroughly engrossed throughout the entire film.
One of my absolute favorite scenes is towards the beginning of the movie. The couple prepares for bed. Stella has decided to play a rather racy movie. Their conversation and what ensues is cute, endearing, believable. Watching that scene was like a glimpse into my future. With the honest dialogue and true dynamic, I had to turn to my wife and tell her that would be us in a few years.
Ryan Ducette joins the cast a little later on in the story as Prentice, a young dancer trying to get back to his family. Although he is very much the comic relief, there is still a tangible sensitivity to his character. He’s funny, vulnerable and wise. He brings a new light and energy that only enhances the already wonderful story. His character is unexpected; I absolutely love his evolution throughout the movie.
I adore the relationships between the characters. They are all so deep and colorful. You can see the strength of their ties as friends, lovers, family and strangers. One of the greatest points of this movie is how a stranger can quickly become closer than family and become one of the most important people in your life. Personally, I have experienced similar situations and again appreciate the movie’s realism.
There is nothing bad to be said about this movie. As a writer, I often find myself studying the dialogue and storyline. This one was simply superb. As someone who has a close family member in the film industry, I often find myself watching the actors and their interactions. There is not one person in this movie that disappoints. It’s a poignant story about love, family and life. It’s the kind of movie that really touches your heart and stays with you for years to come.