You’re Not You (2014) – Review
“One moment can change your life.”
A single moment, unaware, will catch you off-guard, and whoosh. Just like that, quick like the snapping of fingers, your life will turn upside down.
I guess it is some sort of strange coincidence that most of the (handful) movie reviews I have done so far, all of them were based on a novel of same name as the movie! This one was written by (the novel) Michelle Wildgen.
The movie is beyond emotional. really intense. Even the trailer was moving, I almost choked up watching it.
The story is about a woman named Kate (Hilary Swank). Her life is PERFECT. A professional who has a great husband , amazing job, amazing house, great friends, is an independent and strong woman, who is basically a perfectionist. It just so happens that all this was not meant stay forever.
One fine day whilst playing the piano, Kate realized that something was wrong. Her fingers started twitching on their own.
A year and a half later, we get to know she has got ALS or the Lou Gehrig’s Disease. (Slow death of neurons, person loses control over bodily functions and inevitably leads to death. There is no cure.)
Her husband Evan (Josh Duhamel) is doing everything in his power to support her. He becomes her part time nurse. He bathes her, clothes her, dons her make-up even, he is doing his duty, the best he can. But is it enough?
Enters Bec (Emmy Rossum). A care-free rebellious college goer, who was looking for a part time job and ends up at Kate and Evan’s doorsteps. Gets caught smoking on the very first day even.
She obviously doesn’t have any experience or any sort of nursing skills, still Kate insists on hiring her.
Kate fired her previous nurse since she “treated her like a patient.”
It is heart-breaking to see Kate, who was used to doing everything on her own and being in control, depending literally and figuratively on someone else for EVERYTHING.
Honestly, after watching Bec screw up big time, I didn’t think she would continue to stay on the job. I was hoping to see someone who would be sincere and mature enough to understand what they were dealing with.
But surprise surprise. She gets called in again! Bec herself gets surpised that how, after messing it up and literally laughing at Kate’s face when she fell down (in the toilet), she could still be on the job?
But Kate says one small but important thing. Bec doesn’t treat her like a patient. She is a person. And unlike all the other nurses who keep telling her what to do, she in turn would like to tell them what to do. And that Bec will actually listen to her.
“One person can give us hope.”
Trial and Error my friend, trial and error. Everyone learns eventually. Even Bec did. She learned a lot of things from Kate. Who knew? So there starts a journey, of Kate and Bec, two women, a very odd and unlikely pair. They share moments, their ups and downs, a little heart to heart talk once or twice maybe. The adventures of Kate and Bec!
And there comes a moment in the movie, where the title is used. It reveals the meaning. Why this title. And it’s beautiful, trust me. Don’t wanna spoil it so wont say.
They both learn from and teach each other in ways unimaginable. Kate learns to loosen up a bit, let go and laugh and enjoy at times.
Bec learns how to be responsible – not only for herself but for another person who is actually a patient. A very critical one at that.
What about the husband? He’s there, but……
Some people will surprise you. Some people will make a huge impact on you and change you in a way you had never imagined.
This is one such story. Great highs and lows, lots of emotional moments, some funny bits as well, this movie will surely make you more empathetic in general.
Definitely worth a watch. Kate and Bec changed each other unknowingly perhaps, and changed for good. Yes, a tragic end but the journey was worthwhile. Even the way how Bec managed things at the end was worth a watch.
Life is all about the journey. Make the most of it.
The movie will make you realize:
How important is it to have someone who makes you realize that you should not wait for death, being in constant fear, but seize the moment and live fearless.
How just with showing some faith and trust in another person and their capabilities can do to their lives, it could mean the world to them.
Hilary Swank:. Wow Just Wow. Proved that she can act extremely well, even with such challenging roles.
Josh Duhamel: Short but powerful role.
Emmy Rossum: Basically a singer-song writer but a great actress as well. Very original, very believable.
“Life is measured in moments that leave us breathless.”
REALIST REBEL'S PERCEPTION 