Juniper never tries too hard to shock its audiences. Wheelchair-bound Ruth (Oscar nominee Charlotte Rampling, Benedetta) is a bored alcoholic in retirement. Soon, her self-destructive grandson Sam (George Ferrier) returns home. She is trying to deal with being alone, he is coping with the loss of his mother. Inevitably, the two clash. As the two spend more time together, they learn they have more in common than they thought and form an (un)expected bond.
Since it is clear from the beginning where the story is headed, this means the characters are going to have to work harder at being engaging. Rampling uses every bit of her acting prowess to save Juniper. The actress has the rare ability to steal just about every scene she is in without overshadowing the rest of the cast. It is a powerhouse performance that is the highlight of the film.
Though Sam can be a little much of a cliché a times, Ferier is able to hold his own thanks to some great dialogue. His exchanges with Ruth keep things from getting too stale. Juniper may be predictable and often have a movie of the week feel to it, but both of its leads are able to get across the emotion needed. The fact that they are able to keep the audience engrossed in the story is a testament to their acting abilities.
In the end, it is Rampling and Ferrier that make Juniper worth watching. The formulaic nature of the plot never becomes an issue since it is so easy to get invested in Ruth and Sam. There is a tendency to lose its way (ironically, by sticking to the course), but the magnificent acting and genuinely funny moments make up for these minor miscues.
Juniper comes to theaters February 24
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