Should someone be able to decide when their life ends? No, we’re not talking about suicide, but instead the idea that someone who knows they’re bound for a long, painful road with a terrible disease (such as ALS) should be able to make up their mind and end their life before it gets bad. That’s the essence of the upcoming drama, “Blackbird.”
As seen in the trailer, “Blackbird” follows the story of a grandmother that calls her family to the beach house one last time to join her while she passes on. She has been diagnosed with ALS and doesn’t want the disease to ravage her body and instead decides to end her life on her own terms. “Blackbird” stars Susan Sarandon, Kate Winslet, Mia Wasikowska, Sam Neill, Rainn Wilson, Bex Taylor-Klaus, and Lindsay Duncan. The film is directed by Roger Michell, who is probably best known for his work on the features “Notting Hill” and “Morning Glory.”
We saw “Blackbird” as part of last year’s TIFF, and in our review, we said, “Susan Sarandon turns in one of those performances that periodically reminds you of why we care about someone as politically infuriating as Susan Sarandon, while Winslet manages to mine some humor and pathos out of the rather done-to-death character of the Type-A busybody big sister. Neil is just magnificent, so warm, yet stoic, and keenly aware that there’s something quite compelling about watching a solid guy like him fall apart.”
“Blackbird” is expected to arrive in select theaters and VOD on September 18. You can watch the first trailer below.
Here’s the synopsis:
Lily (Susan Sarandon) and Paul (Sam Neill) summon their loved ones to their beach house for one final gathering after Lily decides to end her long battle with ALS on her own terms. The couple is planning a loving weekend complete with holiday traditions, but the mood becomes strained when unresolved issues surface between Lily and her daughters Jennifer (Kate Winslet) and Anna (Mia Wasikowska). Joining the collective farewell are Lily’s son in law (Rainn Wilson), her lifelong friend (Lindsay Duncan), daughter’s partner (Bex Taylor-Klaus) and grandson (Anson Boon). Her story is ultimately one of hope, love and a celebration of life.