Where'd You Go Bernadette - A Movie Review

Traveling is the best gift. Go out and have an adventure.

Where’d You Go, Bernadette is a 2019 film based on the book by Marie Semple. When her daughter announces that she is taking them on a trip Bernadette is put over the edge. Having disconnected from her passions becoming fearful of living life, Bernadette is willing to embrace a new adventure to make a new self- discovery.

Life is all about taking risks. That is a powerful message distributed in Where’d You Go, Bernadette. Mental health is an essential need. One of the strongest takeaways from this film is that you can always pick up the pieces and restart.

Audiences can relate to Bernadette’s predicament. We should never let other people’s words get to us. Cate Blanchett does an excellent job with the study of her character. Based on the way she played the character, we felt her pain and how trapped she felt in her mind. Have faith in yourself and continue to fight battles.

No battle is fought alone. That’s what I liked most about Billy Crudup and Emma Nelson. I was surprised to learn that this was Nelson’s film debut. She was a natural! I enjoyed the scene where Nelson takes a stand for her mother.

The trio studied their dynamic very well. Family is family. No family is ever perfect. And that’s okay. Because we understand one another, we can help family members better understand their insecurities.

Expect an appearance by the comic legend, Kristen Wiig. She is always a natural at the best one-liners. The ensemble of Where’d You Go Bernadette had an integral duty. Nobody ever knows what battles people are fighting. That’s why we should get to know someone before making judgments.

I was surprised to see Judy Greer in a small role. Other credits include Patrick Sebes, Zoe Chao, Lee Harrington, David Paymer, Laurence Fishburne, and a memorable appearance by the wonderfully talented Steve Zahn.

Where’d You Go, Bernadette did not go well with critics at the time of its release. They noted that there was an issue with the pacing. Although it was slow, I thought the build-up was necessary for the story.

We’re given a chance to get to know the characters, invest in the situation, and in the family relationship. Movies that do that need more hype instead of getting right into the main action.

Richard Linklater was attracted to directing this story because of the strong mother/daughter bond. He used his own relationship with his family to connect with this film. Linklater took this book and adapted it into his own vision, letting the cast make decisions.

Filming took place in Greenland for some of the shoots. I am so glad that this film did not resort to green screen like they were originally thinking. Thanks to Blanchett, if this film was not shot on location, green screens would have ruined the realism. That’s what I like about directors. Everyone is involved in a movie, so we should share our voices.

Unfortunately, the weather didn’t make filming an easy time. Putting up with a hurricane, the film succeeded in eye-capturing cinematography.

Traveling is a must. It can be the most daunting idea ever, but in the end, you never what you’ll learn about yourself. You’ll also have the opportunity to meet new people. Linklater resorted to making a film about mental health. Nobody ever loses their magic. By taking a break from reality and going on an adventure, we return to reality rejuvenated.

I recommend that you watch Where’d You Go, Bernadette. The message is inspiring.