This is a melancholic little film about the last days of Gloria Grahame (Annette Bening) a great actress in the forties and fifties before falling by the wayside after becoming infamous for marrying her former stepson, which must make for an awkward family reunion.
But now, she is performing plays in England and is dying of cancer. She previously had radiation but not chemotherapy because she didn't want to lose her hair as without her hair, she wouldn't be able to work and everyone would know the truth.
In this film, it portrays a simple love story between Gloria and the much younger struggling actor Peter Turner (Jamie Bell) who is devastated when he learns the truth. Despite the fact that she has a son older than him, the two are very happy until Gloria learns that the cancer has returned and she purposes sabotages the relationship and Peter returns to England for a role in a play. But soon, she is also in that country for a play and after she collapses (after spending all that time getting her face ready), she goes to Peter's childhood home to die. Though Peter's family is largely supportive, they absolutely believe something serious is wrong with her, more than just gas in her stomach. And they believe that her family should be told, which she finally admits. Her son arrives to take her back to New York and Peter lets her go, reluctantly. Gloria barely survives the trip. Upon arrival, she is immediately admitted into the hospital where she dies later that day.
Gloria is largely happy with her life; she no longer has a mansion but she has a delightful little trailer right on the beach. Yes, her relationship with Peter is odd though Gloria is incredibly sensitive about her age, they are nevertheless in love.
The plot may not be much and it told in a non-linear timeline but the film is nevertheless captivating with brilliant performances, tangible chemistry and an interesting life bursting to fill the screens make this film excellent. Gloria certainly had an interesting life and that could have filled several more films in addition to this one. I wonder when Annette will ever win her Oscar as she turns in good performance after good performance. Gloria was fortunate enough to win an Oscar (I'll argue for the wrong film), I just hope Annette will be as fortunate. Grade: B+
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