In the new movie “For Worse”, Amy Landecker, famed for her role in the show "Transparent", has stepped onto a different stage as the writer and director. The story chronicles the life of Lauren, a recently divorced mom on the West Coast, as she navigates through her enfolding chaos and seeks to carve out a new route in her life.
An underrepresented category of women in cinema - those “above a certain age” - has found increasing attention in recent films. For many, this is a welcomed shift, one that honours the realities of mature women, their evolving experiences and intricate sexual preferences. This trend has offered much-needed opportunities for artists like Landecker, who are eager to authentically represent this evolving stage of life.
That being said, comparisons to other films of this genre are inevitable, and at times, elements of “For Worse” may seem too familiar. Landecker, however, manages to weave a nuanced message about the perception of age, which could be described as a discrepancy between how old one feels, how old one is, and how old others perceive one to be.
Lauren's storyline lets the audience feel the weight of this truth without overstating it. She joins an acting class which leads her to encounter an array of diverse youngsters and possibly, a new romantic interest. Despite a mortifying event, Lauren’s zest for life remains undeterred, even leading her to recalibrate her perception of age.
A crucial part of the film is set around a wedding where Landecker brings elaborate details to the foreground. These details make the experience captivating with elements of romance intertwined with ensemble comedy.
However, Landecker, as Lauren, truly stands out. Her portrayal of a woman reclaiming her age and sexuality is both powerful and genuine. With “For Worse,” Landecker has made a significant stride as an auteur, presenting an ageless narrative about life's endless capacity for new beginnings.
