Sally Field stars in this romantic comedy-drama about a woman who develops an infatuation with a younger colleague. Doris Miller is a woman who many years ago, put her life on hold in order to care for her mother. Now that her mother has passed away, Doris' life is her own again, but she doesn't really know what to do with it.
Director Michael Showalter has developed a tribute to all the people in this world, who feel like they go unnoticed. Sally Field delivers an incredible yet quirky performance as Doris. It's great to see Field get a starring role over the type of supporting roles she's known for, in movies like Smokey and The Bandit, Mrs Doubtfire and The Amazing Spider-Man. Field brings real heart to this role, life hasn't really worked out the way Doris planned, but she never gives in. Doris is quite inspirational that way, no matter what happens she just keeps going, one foot in front of the other.
Backing up Field is a great supporting cast. Max Greenfield plays John Fremont, the colleague with whom Doris develops an infatuation. The chemistry between these two actors is perfect, and it's wonderful to watch their relationship develop throughout the movie. Her brother Todd (Stephen Root) and his wife Cynthia (Wendi Mclendon-Covey), who want to sell the house Doris has lived in her whole life are despicable without being cartoonish. But the standout performance from the supporting cast comes from Tyne Daly, who plays Roz, Doris' best friend. Roz is as tough as they come, loyal to a fault and not afraid to let people know what she thinks, including Doris.
The New York setting really aids the story in terms of how Doris feels. It's easy to feel like no one knows you're there, in a big city. With everything constantly changing around her and very little change in her own life, it's understandable that Doris might feel left behind. Technology and social media can be overwhelming, and potentially dangerous. Most of us know to avoid Facebook when we've had a few too many. These are all things Doris must learn on her journey to reclaim her life.
Hello, My Name is Doris is a touching story about loss and the effect it can have on your life. Sally Field and director Michael Showater managed to find the right balance between comedy and drama in this story about a woman trying to find her place in the world. I first came across this quirky movie when my fiancee discovered it on iTunes, and I'm very glad she did!
9/10
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