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Better Things

Name: Better Things
Genre: Drama
Released: 2008-05-17
Cast: Tara Ballard, Betty Bench, Michael Socha, Freddie Cunliffe, Patricia Loveland

2008 | 93 min | Drama

Sunday Safe Betearly rating

Why it’s a Sunday Safe Bet

Critics loved it (90% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had almost no lasting buzz and soft box office. A safe bet when you want something reliable.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it: Made for anyone who loves a strong drama.
The mood: Thoughtful and character-driven.
The pace: Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 33 min.
What might put you off: Nothing much for most grown-ups.

Gail's agoraphobia keeps her inside where she escapes into romance novels. She shares a house with her Nan, recently back from the hospital. Gradually, they both try to reach out to each other to break their isolation. Rob plunges further into his addiction as a way of numbing his heartbreak over the death of his girlfriend. In his stupor, he dreams of embracing her again. Mr & Mrs Gladwin are going through a shift in their 60 year relationship. Years of resentment and unspoken truths have built a barrier between them that Mrs Gladwin, in her abiding love, tries to erode in little gestures.

How it earned its rating

CriticsVery strong
90% on Rotten Tomatoes
AudiencesNot counted
Not measured yet: not enough ratings
AwardsNot counted
No major awards or nominations
Reach & staying powerBelow par
Streaming release that reached a small audience so far; still draws a steady audience long after release
Buzz & cultural impactWeak
About 5K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Duane Hopkins

Tara BallardSarah
Betty BenchMrs Gladwin
Michael SochaMike
Freddie CunliffeJon
Patricia LovelandNan Wilson
Frank BenchMr Gladwin
Rachel McIntyreGail Wilson
Che CorrDavid
Jane FoxhallTess' Mum
Liam McIlfatrickRob