Tell Me a Riddle
Tell Me a Riddle

Tell Me a Riddle

1980Movie93 minEnglish

A long-married couple embark on one last cross-country journey when it is discovered that the wife is dying. Together they try to reconnect with their estranged daughter before it is too late.

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Insights

IMDb6.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes50%
Director: Lee GrantGenres: Drama

Plot Summary

Eva, an elderly Jewish immigrant, grapples with loneliness and the decline of her cognitive abilities while living with her daughter's family. As her memory fades, she becomes increasingly determined to reunite with her estranged husband, whom she believes is seeking her out. The film explores themes of aging, memory, family relationships, and the immigrant experience through Eva's poignant and often disorienting journey.

Critical Reception

Tell Me a Riddle received mixed to positive reviews, with particular praise directed at Rita Moreno's performance. While some critics found the film's pacing slow and its narrative somewhat disjointed, many acknowledged its emotional depth and its sensitive portrayal of aging and dementia. The film was noted for its unflinching look at the challenges faced by elderly individuals and their families.

What Reviewers Say

  • Rita Moreno delivers a powerful and moving performance as an elderly woman facing memory loss.
  • The film tackles difficult themes of aging, dementia, and familial strain with emotional honesty.
  • While emotionally resonant, the narrative can feel slow and at times repetitive.

Google audience: Information on specific Google user reviews and their sentiment for 'Tell Me a Riddle (1980)' is not readily available.

Awards & Accolades

Rita Moreno received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress – Motion Picture Drama.

Fun Fact

The film is based on the 1975 novel of the same name by Tillie Olsen, a prominent writer of the second-wave feminist movement.

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