Movie Review: Adrienne (2021)
My review on Adrienne (2021)
This HBO documentary film tells the story of Adrienne Shelley, an actress, film director and screenwriter and known as the woman who Waitress which would later become a Broadway musical until shocking murder leaving behind her husband and her daughter.
The documentary film opens at a Halloween party with Sophie (Adrienne's daughter) who looked about 3 or 4 years old but she was 2 years old dressed as Cinderella, her mother actress Adrienne Shelley and her friends or neighbors are laughing, having a grand time at the party. Her husband/ Spohie's dad Andy Ostroy narrates how he went from the "luckiest guy alive" to living the "worst nightmare imaginable". Fast forward, a new reporter reports on Shelley tragic mysterious death. Pass on the Opening credits, it opens outside of Broadway New York Theatre showing Waitress the musical song plays "Opening Up". Andy talks about he was so amazed that the Adrienne's film adapted into a Broadway musical even he finds it sad since not alive to see the musical and what's even sad that people who are going to see the musical don't who the woman behind the film is which explains so much why Andy wants to direct the documentary film.
Shelley talks about the inspiration behind her film Waitress. The actors who were in the film were reminiscing the film and how amazing she was.
They talked about the day before she was found dead. Her husband talks about on how he dropped off Shelley at her office at Abingdon Square which looked like an apartment building, how he sees her going to the office building. He noticed she wasn't answering her emails or phone calls until he enters the building describing how scary he found her dead in the bathroom. Police believe her death was ruled a suicide since she was found hanging on her neck but Andy insisted that Adrienne wasn't suicidal or depressed. She was always happy and content with her daughter. In the film, Families and Friends believed that she never killed herself. The interesting part was Andy and their daughter Sophie is all grown up and 15 years old at Adrienne's childhood home looking through her yearbook, going in her childhood bedroom, looking at her stuff, photos, journal etc., Grandma (Adrienne's mom) talks about the day she was born, her brother how he would dress him up when they were which I find it cute and the photos of him and Adrienne were made adorable. The sad part was when Andy talks about how he told their daughter Sophie that mommy wasn't coming home. Very emotional!!!!!
Then, there was this short little animation which is called "I really miss mommy"
Honestly, if they could've done more work on it more and it would've made on the Academy Awards nominations but that's my opinion. Andy, Adrienne's mom, and Adrienne's childhood friend went to the high school she attended and the theater where she and her classmates performed Pippin'. The film talks about how Adrienne told her friend that she is planning on dropping out of college, go to New York and become an actress. Films and photos of her were seen on the film looking all beautiful, photogenic making look like a real star. When I watched the part that he had children and a ex wife, I had no idea about that part. Andy's kids talked about how they reacted on when they found out Adrienne's death and how old they were when their stepmom died. Andy talks about Diego Pilco, a construction worker who murdered Adrienne in the building he wrote a letter to have a conversation with him. The love story with Adrienne and Andy was so amazing when she met Andy on Match.com even though she find it kind of embarrassing to marrying him and having Sophie. Then, Waitress, her final film selected at the Sundance Festival with photos of her family, her husband, and the cast and crew of Waitress coming to see the premiere of the film. Then fast forward, back to the Broadway theatre where Waitress the musical is produced. In the end, Andy meets with Diego with anger and sadness in his face glancing at the man who killed him. Pilco regrets his actions for what he has done to Adrienne but still doesn't want to forgive him. This film is an eye opening steller, very beautiful, heartwarming film. Andy did amazing job creating this film with the help of his daughter Sophie, Adrienne's families and friends. I love how Sophie reads her mother's journal in the film. This film doesn't seem like a love letter but a tribute documentary film to Adrienne.
About the Creator
Gladys W. Muturi
Hello, My name is Gladys W. Muturi. I am an Actress, Writer, Filmmaker, Producer, and Mother of 1.
Instagram: @gladys_muturi95
Facebook: facebook.com/gladystheactress
YouTube: @gladys_muturi
COMING SOON TALES & CONFESSIONS OF HIGH SCHOOL
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By Saboor Brohi 5 days ago in Geeks
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