This was an odd little melodic film, centering around a brilliant performance from Julianne Moore.
Gloria Bell (Moore) is a divorced woman with two moderately successful adult children and a grandson whom she adores. Though she rarely sees her ex (Brad Garrett), they are still on good terms more or less and she seems to be alright with her job, as a claims adjuster, but she really only comes alive on the dance floor.
It is there where she meets Arnold (John Turturro), who is also divorced, far more recently than Gloria's and they start a relationship.
The remainder of the film follows that doomed relationship. While Arnold is a good person, his former wife and daughters (fully functional adults) are still completely financially dependent on him and he can't stand when Gloria gets sentimental with her former husband.
Unfortunately, there are some major flaws in the film, such as, Gloria taking Arnold back after he abruptly leaves her in the middle of dinner. He then leaves her again in Las Vegas and this time, Gloria gets her just desserts. However, when Gloria returns to the hotel room, it is unclear if Arnold also takes Gloria's stuff to and the awkward scene with the creepy Sean Astin afterwards, just leaves a sour taste in my mouth. Was she assaulted or just robbed?
But she finds her way back to the dance floor in the end, and perhaps that is all that matters.
Moore is a revelation (as per usual) and Turturro is great also in a role where you both pity and despise him at the same time. Michael Cera and Caren Pistorius are also good in the rather underwritten roles of Gloria's children, though you also needed an explanation of Cera's absent wife, but that barely effects the main plot.
Still, you are invested in Gloria's journey and you have a great soundtrack along the way. Grade: B
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