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Gavin Steckler, the screenwriter, and director Marc Turtletaub have presented a charming and humorous new take on the iconic film ET. In the original 1982 movie created by Mathison and Spielberg, the alien visitor found refuge among children, who were often overlooked by adults. However, in this updated version, the extraterrestrial is now being protected by senior citizens, who are accustomed to being underestimated and disregarded.
The alien’s main ally is Milton, portrayed by Ben Kingsley, an elderly widower whose spaceship crashes in his backyard. With a natural sense of kindness, he welcomes the mute and hairless extraterrestrial into his home. However, Milton suffers from dementia and when he mentions needing extra food for the alien, no one pays much attention except for his daughter Denise (played by Zoë Winters, known for her role as Logan Roy’s assistant and mistress Kerry in the TV show Succession). The scene where Milton fails a dementia test at the doctor’s office is both touching and heartbreaking, as it could easily be a scene from a completely different, somber film.
Harriet Sansom Harris and Jane Curtin portray Sandy and Joyce, who are Milton’s neighbors. The film cleverly reveals that they, like Milton, are also unhappy and sorrowful. They are estranged from their adult children and, in Joyce’s case, from her own thrilling and bold past in the city. However, unlike Milton, Joyce cannot escape her memories. Unfortunately, the world is apathetic towards her thoughts and recollections, and she is being forced into dementia by society.
The movie has a nostalgic and charming feel to it, although the conclusion may be a bit confusing. However, there is a tenderness and charm present, and Kingsley portrays it excellently.
Source: theguardian.com
