Overview
A poignant exploration of love and memory as a couple faces the trials of Alzheimer's together.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Layered
- Violence
- None
- melancholic
- intimate
- tender
- quiet evening
- reflective weekend
What critics said
Critics broadly praised Sarah Polley's accomplished debut as a tender, intelligent, and deeply affecting exploration of Alzheimer's, anchored by Julie Christie's performance and Gordon Pinsent's understated work.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Fiona's Alzheimer's diagnosis and adjustment to Meadowlake shape the story through memory lapses, routines, and altered relationships.
Grant's past indiscretions and his continuing devotion to Fiona complicate his attempts to care for her and protect their shared happiness.
The film uses low-key performances and domestic situations to render grief, jealousy, tenderness, and acceptance without melodrama.
Meadowlake's visitation policy, patient wards, and caregiving structure become central to Grant and Fiona's changing relationship.
Films like Away from Her, and why
Amour
tender, mature relationship drama examining memory, aging, and enduring devotion
The Savages
quietly devastating marriage drama centered on illness, care, and emotional resilience
The Sweet Hereafter
empathetic Canadian drama about long-term love, regret, and difficult choices
45 Years
intimate, melancholic romance focused on aging, memory, and marital history
Movie Details
- Director
- Sarah Polley
- Release Date
- 2007-05-04
- Runtime
- 110 min
- Rating
- 7.0 / 10 (250)
Cast
- Gordon Pinsent
- Julie Christie
- Michael Murphy
- Olympia Dukakis
- Kristen Thomson
- Wendy Crewson
- Alberta Watson
- Thomas Hauff
- Deanna Dezmari
- Nina Dobrev
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- Lionsgate+ Amazon Channel, Starz Apple TV channel
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Away from Her about?
- A devoted husband confronts the painful redefinition of marriage when his wife’s Alzheimer’s disease transforms memory, intimacy, and care.
- What is Away from Her like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Away from Her as measured, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as layered.
- Is Away from Her violent?
- No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in Away from Her.
- What did critics think of Away from Her?
- Critics broadly praised Sarah Polley's accomplished debut as a tender, intelligent, and deeply affecting exploration of Alzheimer's, anchored by Julie Christie's performance and Gordon Pinsent's understated work.
- Which films are like Away from Her?
- Films with a similar feel include Amour, The Savages, The Sweet Hereafter, and 45 Years.
- How long is Away from Her?
- Away from Her runs 110 minutes.
- Where can I watch Away from Her?
- In United States, Away from Her streams on Lionsgate+ Amazon Channel, Starz Apple TV channel.
