OK for kids 14+
Prickly couple loses dog, rediscovers love in ho-hum drama.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that the titular partner in Darling Companion is a beloved dog who helps a woman (played by Diane Keaton) fill an emotional vacuum. When the dog gets lost in the woods, her family comes together to track it down, leading to a chance for reconnection. There's some swearing ("s--t," "ass," etc.), social drinking, sex talk, and a few suggestive scenes, but this is primarily a simple drama about rekindling love. While the movie's theme and older characters may not hold much appeal for younger viewers, the film's messages offer an important lesson for anyone who's ever been in a long-term relationship.
- Families can talk about stereotypes. Would you consider Darling Companion's characters stereotypical? Why do filmmakers fall back on using common character types?
- How does Darling Companion compare to other dramas about aging couples? Can you think of any other films about a husband who realizes that he's neglected his wife?
The good stuff
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Messages: The movie's main message is that family is more important than work, even though some people take far too long to realize that. In the end, it's always family that will stick by you during a crisis.
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Role models: A self-centered surgeon who at first puts his career before his family comes to realize that he's got his priorities backward and vows to be a better husband and father. That said, some of the characters are fairly stereotypically portrayed.
What to watch for
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Violence: Some heated arguments. Two men get into a wrestling match.
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Sex: Some suggestive discussions and a few scenes that cut away as couples head off for private moments.
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Language: Some swearing during tense moments, including "s--t," "ass,' "d--k," "bitch," and "crap."
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Consumerism: A wealthy doctor drives a Mercedes.
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Some adult characters drink wine with meals.
Fan Reviews provided by
5
A Darling of a Film by blackcapmom
To really "get" this film, I think you or your spouse need to be over 50. Perhaps that was what was wrong with some of the professional reviewers because this is a very, very sweet, funny, honest film. At some points my husband and I laughed until we cried as we recognized bits of ourselves, friends or family members in the characters on the screen. We liked these characters, we adored the story and we'd see it again in a heartbeat.
4
Better Movie Than I Expected! by Nosofsky
Most times trailers are much better than the movie
In this case the trailers didn't do the movie justice
Great chemistry between the cast
And the story was much better than I expected
Overall worth seeing....
5
Fantastic Movie ! by grandparents123
My husband and I laughed and I cried. Wonderful movie! Perhaps you do have to be over 50 as another review said. But we saw ourselves quite a bit and it was a wonderful story. We know to well that sometimes it's tragedy that brings everything back into alignment and proper perspective. We all get sucked up in the day to day survival mode and forget what is important in life. Especially these days. We think we will have less and life will be simpler but it seems that we are working twice as hard to make the same and we still struggle and juggle all the balls to make things work. This is a must go! It's real..... It brings you back to center.
Relax and enjoy! I can't wait to recommend this to friends.
3
Just OK by gmarcus1
Despite the fact that this movie has a great cast (Diane Keaton, Kevin Kline, Diane Wiest), it was not the best vehicle for any of them. There are a few laughs (Diane Keaton is always funny), and there is the "ahhhh" factor (the dog!), but the story line was very mediocre and silly at times. If you have nothing better to do, see it!
4
Keaton's Too Anxious, Kline's Doddering, But The Movie Is A Go. by Alon Patterson
No blockbuster here. Just an entertaining, well executed play. The core premise plays longer than practical but the movie is good enough to have been made and distributed. The audience appeal is to an older demographic, thus its limited release. Still, if you like the players it's worth your time. Better a matinee ticket than full price but see it. It's not disappointing, just simple.
5
Really Good Movie by Compqueen528
I loved this movie. I'm a dog person, that probably is part of it. But the dog isn't in it much. It's more about relationships and people interacting. I've also been a Lawrence Kasdan fan since "The Big Chill". I highly recommend this movie.
4
A nice movie about relationships and a dog by buffetfan1102
This movie is about relationships, family and a dog. More about people's relationships with each other. The dog has a small role in the movie. Hardly see it. But it brings people together. It is an average movie. I would give it a 7 out of 10. I love Diane Keaton and she was great. I also love Kevin Kline. Without them this movie would not be what it is.
5
Darling Companion by ahyams
a real feel good movie, wonderful acting, great scenery and the score is pretty goood also! A dfinite must see.
5
LOVED IT. by houndduet
Less about the dog than about the interpersonal relationships, gave it a solid B+!
3
Darling Companion by izi
Good actors were wasted in this film.It could have been shortened without any loss to the spectator.