You Can Count on Me
You Can Count on Me

You Can Count on Me

2000Movie111 minEnglish

A single mother's life is thrown into turmoil after her struggling, rarely-seen younger brother returns to town.

Read Reviews

Insights

IMDb7.6/10
Rotten Tomatoes95%
Metacritic84/100
Google Users89%
Director: Kenneth LonerganGenres: Drama

Plot Summary

A young, single mother living in a small town finds her life turned upside down when her restless, charming brother, whom she hasn't seen in years, reappears. Their reunion stirs up old memories and unresolved issues, forcing them to confront their past and their uncertain futures. As they navigate their complicated relationship, they must also deal with the consequences of their choices and the impact they have on those around them.

Critical Reception

You Can Count on Me was widely acclaimed by critics for its realistic portrayal of family dynamics, subtle performances, and poignant storytelling. It was praised for its nuanced characters and sensitive exploration of themes like family, belonging, and regret. The film was considered a standout independent drama of its year.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its authentic and deeply felt performances, particularly from Laura Linney and Mark Ruffalo.
  • Celebrated for its nuanced and relatable exploration of sibling relationships and small-town life.
  • Lauded for Kenneth Lonergan's sensitive and insightful direction and screenplay.

Google audience: Google users largely praised the film's realistic portrayal of family struggles and the compelling performances of the lead actors. Many appreciated the emotional depth and the relatable nature of the characters' relationships and personal challenges.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay (Kenneth Lonergan) and Best Actress (Laura Linney). Won numerous awards from film critics' circles, including Best Film and Best Actress awards.

Fun Fact

Director Kenneth Lonergan initially wrote the script with the intention of it being a stage play before adapting it into a film.

AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources

My Review