One True Thing
One True Thing

One True Thing

1998Movie127 minEnglish

A career woman reassesses her parents' lives after she is forced to care for her cancer-stricken mother.

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IMDb6.3/10
Rotten Tomatoes57%
Metacritic65/100
Google Users75%
Director: Carl FranklinGenres: Drama

Plot Summary

Journalist Ellen Gully is forced to put her career on hold and return to her childhood home to care for her ailing father, George, when her mother, Kate, is diagnosed with terminal cancer. As Ellen struggles to balance her father's needs, her own life, and the devastating reality of her mother's illness, she gains a profound new understanding of her parents and the true meaning of family.

Critical Reception

One True Thing was generally well-received by critics, particularly for its strong performances, especially from Meryl Streep. While some found the narrative a bit predictable, the film was praised for its emotional resonance and sensitive portrayal of family dynamics during a difficult time.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for Meryl Streep's powerful and nuanced performance.
  • Appreciated for its emotional depth and exploration of family relationships.
  • Noted as a well-acted, albeit somewhat conventional, family drama.

Google audience: Audience reviews highlight the film's emotional impact and the strength of the acting, particularly Meryl Streep. Many viewers found it a moving and relatable story about family love and sacrifice, though some felt the plot was predictable.

Awards & Accolades

Meryl Streep received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress – Motion Picture Drama.

Fun Fact

Renée Zellweger initially turned down the role of Ellen Gully, but was persuaded to take it after Meryl Streep expressed interest in working with her.

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