A Unique Love Story - "Labor Day" (Movie Review)

Since becoming a mom, movies about relationships affect me a great deal more. I am more understanding of parent and child relationships then I ever have been - yet more in awe too. "Labor Day" from Paramount Pictures is a unique love story that focuses on the bond and deep understanding and support between a mother and a son.

Adele (Kate Winslet) has been a recluse for several years for understandable reasons. Her son Henry (Gattlin Griffith), about to enter grade seven, is the man of the house but acknowledges as hard as he tries he can not provide his mother everything she needs. His father lives in the same town with his new family - his secretary, her son and their daughter.

On a back-to-school shopping trip, Henry and his mother encounter Frank Chambers (Josh Brolin), a man both intimidating and clearly in need of help, who convinces them to take him into their home and is later revealed to be an escaped convict. The events of this long Labor Day weekend will shape them for the rest of their lives.

As we slowly learn about Frank's history that led him to imprisonment, in the present he proves himself to be quite the handyman, cook and baker. In one scene Frank teaches Adele and Henry how to bake a peach pie, instilling confidence and trust in the two people he now wants as a family and not just accomplices of an escape.

With its unique premise, Labor Day is a film about getting a second chance at first real love and a son's undeterred support of his mother, leaving the viewer both optimistic and satisfied.

Labor Day opens in theatres today - January 31st.

Disclosure: I was given tickets to a screening for the purpose of this review. As always, all opinions are my own.

© 2014 YYZ Bambina. All Rights Reserved.