Hateship Loveship

IFC Films

Based on the short story by Alice Munro, "Hateship, Friendship, Courtship, Loveship, Marriage," this film stars Kristen Wiig as a sad sack caretaker and housekeeper who is thrust into a family situation she doesn't quite understand but wants to. Wiig as Johanna makes for a subdued and yet brilliant performance. Directed by Liza Johnson (of the upcoming "Elvis & Nixon.") this indie film tells the story of a woman beaten down by everything around her, until she took control of her own destiny.

 Johanna begins working for an old man (Nolte) who takes care of his granddaughter Sabitha (Steinfeld). Her father (Pearce) killed her mother in a boating accident years ago and is no longer able to care for his daughter. He lives in poverty, is addicted to drugs, and often asks his former father-in-law for money. Seeing Johanna's adoration for her father, Sabitha and a mean spirited friend plan a hoax where they write correspondence to Johanna in his name. Johanna falls for him, and in the meanest move yet, is tricked into travelling to see him in a decrepit motel. The rest of the story follows their courtship and how Johanna changes her life, as well as the life of the man she loves.

 Most of the film is truly heartbreaking. Johanna is this solemn, peculiar creature who doesn't seem to have anybody but herself. She has morals, dresses austerely, and only wants the love of a good man. She doesn't push or prod either, but gently maneuvers herself into his life and helps him crawl out of the hole he has fallen down. The film isn't really about Johanna changing herself to be happy, but instead shows that even the quietest and most pitied of people have an inner strength that can do others a world of good. While I wouldn't say this is a great love story, it is a sweet tale of a man given little to no hope finding someone who really believes in him.

 There's nothing revolutionary and new about this story, but it is a sweet film that brings out the romantic in all of us. It really is a story about the power of love, and how people can change. While not realistic, it does truly encapsulate the feeling of loneliness and depression one can have while hanging at the end of their rope.