What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that most teens probably won't be interested in this indie drama about adult siblings brought together by their dying mother. Her death leads to some sad scenes, and she appears increasingly pained and sick (at one point, unable to eat, she sits down to dinner with her family, chews spare ribs, and spits out the food -- then her kids follow suit to make her feel better). Tense scenes among the siblings show their jealousies and resentments. Characters discuss painkilling drugs, and one son smokes a joint. Language includes several uses of "f--k," plus "s--t" and "damn."
- Families can talk about how death is portrayed in movies. How realistic do you think this film is? Would a real family behave this way in similar circumstances? How do the movie's occasional moments of comedy help alleviate its sadness and frustration? Is that realistic? How does the siblings come to terms with each other as they watch their mom endure such emotional and physical pain? What do they learn about themselves and each other?