Evening is a drama told through a series of flashbacks that explores the timeless theme of love.
The story follows Ann Grant Lord as she is cared for by her daughters Constance (Natasha Richardson) and Nina (Toni Collette). We first join Ann as an old lady (played by Vanessa Redgrave) seriously ill in bed. She drifts between sleep and consciousness, struggling to tell her daughters about the different periods in her life.
She romanticizes back to her younger years (played by Claire Danes) in the 1950s when she was the maid of honor in the high-society Newport wedding of her dear friend Lila Wittenborn (Mamie Gummer). The flashbacks and memories climax in an evening she spends with the only man she ever truly loved, Harris (Patrick Wilson).
Based on the novel by Susan Minot and directed by Academy Award-nominated cinematographer Lajos Koltai ("Fateless"), "Evening" uncovers the complexities in the love of parents for their children, love between man and woman, and personal fulfillment and marriage.
The flashbacks to the lush lawns and the glamorous Newport wedding party are perfectly stylized thanks to excellent scenery, costumes, and cinematography. It's dreamy and carefree—in contrast to the gloomy, low-lit death-bed conversations between Ann and her daughters. The warmth and affection between them comes through despite Ann's seemingly bigger fascination with her past.
If there is any criticism of "Evening," it is that sometimes the flashbacks and dialogue become a bit confusing. I recommend following the imagery's fantasy-like quality, such as the shining butterflies and the ladies in magnificent gowns styled from another epoch.
The all-star cast gives a convincing performance, with special mention for Claire Danes as the vibrant and spirited Ann Lord, Mamie Gummer as a proper and modest high-society young lady, and the great Meryl Streep as the later-in-life Lila Rose.
One memorable highlight is the conversation between Meryl Streep and Vanessa Redgrave when Lila comes to visit her ill friend and sits in bed with her, reminiscent of 50 years earlier on her wedding day. "I thought at least one of us should have married Harris!" says Ann. "We did what we needed to do," replies Lila with peaceful resolve.
The film also explores the human tendency to wonder about what could have happened, but did not. While flipping through past experiences and memories, the characters choose how to live their lives in the future. In grappling with past mistakes, they obtain contentment and wisdom.
4 stars out of 5