The movie is set in stunning New Zealand. We meet troubled teenager Sam (George Ferrier). Sam has returned from boarding school and is struggling to accept the sudden presence of his English alcoholic grandmother, Ruth (Charlotte Rampling) in his home, after breaking her leg. The pair get off to a rough start, however, as time goes on he realises they have more in common than he first believed. This is a nice story about life, family and love. And the acting of both George Ferrier and Charlotte Rampling is so good. You really get carried away in their story and in the movie. The cinematography is excellent, captivating the greenery and natural beauty of New Zealand and the sun-rises they spent together. The colour scheme mostly feels wintery and cold, pointing to some of the dark but real themes the film showcases. The dialogue is well considered, humorous and realistic. Talented newcomer, Sam Ferrier, and screen icon, Charlotte Rampling work impressively together to create a credible bond that will draw you in. This is a very touching movie and focusses on the hardships of life and the lessons we can learn no matter what age. This is a movie well worth watching.
29 Reviews
Involving character study.
mick-meyers22 September 2022
A slow moving film,more a study in character and acting.charlotte rampling the sixties icon not afraid to show her age.her study in age and truth,things lost roads not taken is dealt with great aplomb.the small but valuable supporting cast is very good.her vinegary put downs and side swipes hide a very brittle person.very reminiscent of Mrs havisham the way she manipulates people around her like chess pieces.death is also dealt with in the physical and mental acceptance of it.the choice of music good but not intrusive.an overall small independent film that deserves a better release.well worth an hour and half of your time.
A nice little film that is funny and sad.
Avidviewer-0284730 January 2022
A little gem with a good script and good acting. The star is the great Charlotte Rampling as Ruth the grandmother and young actor George Ferrier is the grandson Sam. Ruth and Sam have some funny interactions and dramatic ones too.
It's the story of an unresolved emotional loss by a father (Robert) and son (Sam) and then the father's mother (Ruth) shows up. Ruth is an alcoholic addicted to gin, which I think gives the movie it's title, juniper berries are the main flavoring in gin.
There have probably been movies with similar plots, but this one set In New Zealand is well acted. A real treat to see Charlotte Rampling in a movie.
It's the story of an unresolved emotional loss by a father (Robert) and son (Sam) and then the father's mother (Ruth) shows up. Ruth is an alcoholic addicted to gin, which I think gives the movie it's title, juniper berries are the main flavoring in gin.
There have probably been movies with similar plots, but this one set In New Zealand is well acted. A real treat to see Charlotte Rampling in a movie.
A Poignant and sweet tale
mgalercail26 January 2022
We've seen this dynamic many times over the years and while the setup is familiar, it's all about how a director handles the material and he does so with grace and charm.
Charlotte Rampling commands the stage as a grandmother who comes home to heal from a leg injury. A drinker and distant from her son Robert who promptly leaves to settle affairs in the UK. She's brutally honest and let's people know she will not be pushed around. But you learn about her slowly over the course of the film and why she is in her ways atm.
She immediately clashes with her angry grandson who was just suspended from school and is cooped up at home with a grandmother he's not met until now. George Ferrier equally matches her fiery performance as the angry youth. Depressed and suicidal, he is Unable to deal with his mothers death, until he receives some well deserved tough love from grandmother. The events play out in a laid back fashion and done with I feel a sense of realism. The topics presented like grief, aging, coming of age feel natural here and there's no stupid comedy section presented for laughs. I could see this going the opposite way if this were an American production for sure with heavy handed speeches and cliched ending.
All around a wholesome film made with heart, a fine watch.
Charlotte Rampling commands the stage as a grandmother who comes home to heal from a leg injury. A drinker and distant from her son Robert who promptly leaves to settle affairs in the UK. She's brutally honest and let's people know she will not be pushed around. But you learn about her slowly over the course of the film and why she is in her ways atm.
She immediately clashes with her angry grandson who was just suspended from school and is cooped up at home with a grandmother he's not met until now. George Ferrier equally matches her fiery performance as the angry youth. Depressed and suicidal, he is Unable to deal with his mothers death, until he receives some well deserved tough love from grandmother. The events play out in a laid back fashion and done with I feel a sense of realism. The topics presented like grief, aging, coming of age feel natural here and there's no stupid comedy section presented for laughs. I could see this going the opposite way if this were an American production for sure with heavy handed speeches and cliched ending.
All around a wholesome film made with heart, a fine watch.
Rampling shines
ferguson-623 February 2023
Greetings again from the darkness. A tale as old as time. No, this first feature film from writer-director Matthew J Seville is not a new spin on 'Beauty and the Beast', however it is a story that has a familiar feel, and one made more meaningful through terrific acting and expert cinematography. We are engaged through characters rather than plot, and in fact, we grow to care about two of these people after initially finding both a bit abrasive.
Charlotte Rampling stars as Ruth, aging mom to Robert (an underutilized Marton Csokas). The two have never been especially close as Ruth's career as a war photographer allowed her to escape traditional parental duties. With a recent broken leg set in a cast and brace, Ruth finds her wings clipped and Robert senses an opportunity. By moving Ruth into the house during recovery, he can have his son, Sam (George Ferrier), help Nurse Sarah (Edith Poor). Sam is a party boy recently expelled from his boarding school and wants nothing to do with the convalescing grandmother he barely knows.
Dad's ulterior motive gets off to a rough start. Both Ruth and Sam are hard-headed and rebellious. In fact, it's these traits that end up drawing them closer. Ruth seems to survive on her all day gin-binges as her vile vocal spewings are those of a woman whose world has shrunk to the point of feeling captive. Sam is one who doesn't take direction well as he tries to hide his depression and grief driven by the death of his mother. Adding to this mess is Nurse Sarah's consistent attempts to inject some religion into Ruth before the bell tolls.
What we have is self-destruction times two. Ruth and Sam are rude and self-centered, and those shared traits end up thawing the icy relationship and improving their much different circumstances. George Ferrier is a relative newcomer from New Zealand, and he has the looks and on-screen charm to build a nice career. Of course, Charlotte Rampling is in her seventh decade of acting, and she instinctively knows how far she can push this character and still keep us engaged. It's a terrific performance that probably deserved an Oscar nomination. The cinematography of Marty Williams works in the enclosed spaces of the house, as well as the beautiful landscape when the characters head outdoors. Some of the scenes may be a bit too much 'on the nose', but the humor and acting allows for the desired impact.
Opens February 24, 2023.
Charlotte Rampling stars as Ruth, aging mom to Robert (an underutilized Marton Csokas). The two have never been especially close as Ruth's career as a war photographer allowed her to escape traditional parental duties. With a recent broken leg set in a cast and brace, Ruth finds her wings clipped and Robert senses an opportunity. By moving Ruth into the house during recovery, he can have his son, Sam (George Ferrier), help Nurse Sarah (Edith Poor). Sam is a party boy recently expelled from his boarding school and wants nothing to do with the convalescing grandmother he barely knows.
Dad's ulterior motive gets off to a rough start. Both Ruth and Sam are hard-headed and rebellious. In fact, it's these traits that end up drawing them closer. Ruth seems to survive on her all day gin-binges as her vile vocal spewings are those of a woman whose world has shrunk to the point of feeling captive. Sam is one who doesn't take direction well as he tries to hide his depression and grief driven by the death of his mother. Adding to this mess is Nurse Sarah's consistent attempts to inject some religion into Ruth before the bell tolls.
What we have is self-destruction times two. Ruth and Sam are rude and self-centered, and those shared traits end up thawing the icy relationship and improving their much different circumstances. George Ferrier is a relative newcomer from New Zealand, and he has the looks and on-screen charm to build a nice career. Of course, Charlotte Rampling is in her seventh decade of acting, and she instinctively knows how far she can push this character and still keep us engaged. It's a terrific performance that probably deserved an Oscar nomination. The cinematography of Marty Williams works in the enclosed spaces of the house, as well as the beautiful landscape when the characters head outdoors. Some of the scenes may be a bit too much 'on the nose', but the humor and acting allows for the desired impact.
Opens February 24, 2023.
Rampling shines in a bittersweet drama
FilmFanatic202324 February 2023
Juniper is a film about the unlikely bond between a troubled teenager and his estranged grandmother, set in rural New Zealand in the 1990s. The film is driven by the superb performance of Charlotte Rampling as Ruth, a former war photographer who has become an alcoholic recluse with a sharp tongue and a dark past. George Ferrier plays Sam, her grandson who is sent to live with her after being suspended from school for self-harm. The two clash at first, but gradually find solace and healing in each other's company.
The film is not without flaws. The plot relies on some contrived devices and coincidences, and some of the supporting characters are underdeveloped. The tone shifts between comedy and tragedy, sometimes awkwardly. However, the film also has moments of beauty and poignancy, especially when it explores Ruth's backstory and Sam's inner turmoil. The cinematography captures the stunning landscapes of New Zealand, creating a contrast between nature and human suffering.
Juniper is both a coming-of-age film and an end-of-the-line film. It shows how life can be cruel and unpredictable, but also worth living. It may not be a masterpiece, but it is worth watching for Rampling's captivating presence.
The film is not without flaws. The plot relies on some contrived devices and coincidences, and some of the supporting characters are underdeveloped. The tone shifts between comedy and tragedy, sometimes awkwardly. However, the film also has moments of beauty and poignancy, especially when it explores Ruth's backstory and Sam's inner turmoil. The cinematography captures the stunning landscapes of New Zealand, creating a contrast between nature and human suffering.
Juniper is both a coming-of-age film and an end-of-the-line film. It shows how life can be cruel and unpredictable, but also worth living. It may not be a masterpiece, but it is worth watching for Rampling's captivating presence.
Intelligent and thoughtful New Zealand film and Directorial Debut
tm-sheehan2 February 2022
My Review- Juniper
My Rating. 7.5 /10
I found Juniper a very moving film but a little emotionally triggering by that I mean basically it "pressed my buttons." in parts.
I must admit I dozed off a little first viewing not because I was bored but just tiredness so I watched it again and I'm glad I did.
This interesting 2021 movie from New Zealand written and directed by Matthew J Saville is what I call a slow burner but by the conclusion I had definitely warmed to it .
The subjects that crop up in Juniper are confronting they include family alcoholism, grief, assisted dying, teenage suicide and parent child communication breakdown .
It's certainly not a musical comedy ,although come to think of it I have seen all those subjects portrayed in the modern musical theatre of today.
Sam ( George Ferrier) the teenage son of Robert (Martin Csokas ) on returning home from boarding school after a self-destructive spree prompted by his mothers death discovers his gin-soaked grandmother Ruth has moved in.
Ruth played by the wonderful actress (Charlotte Rampling) once had a lust for life . A former War photographer now old age , excessive alcohol abuse and her disappointment with life has turned her into a very bitter woman in a wheelchair approaching the finality of her life.
Sam is really a chip off his Grandmother's block and after an initial awkward and violent introduction a battle of wills ensues which eventually thaws out both of these strong and determined individuals resulting eventually in acceptance and reconciliation for all the family members including Sam's absentee Dad Robert played by Marton Csokas.
The two standout performances in Juniper are George Ferrier as Sam and of course Charlotte Rampling as Ruth and this film is worth watching just for them.
Charlotte Rampling said she found the semi autobiographical script by Matthew Saville "just very very compelling." Her first husband was a Kiwi and although not particularly wanting to leave her home in Saint-Germain Paris to travel across the world to New Zealand she said the story " came to her across the page" George Ferrier as Sam I think will be an interesting actor to watch I haven't seen the series "One of us is Lying "that he appears in 4 episodes of but I will look it up after seeing his passionate and sensitive performance as Sam in Juniper this 21 year old actor should receive plenty of role offers after Juniper.
Juniper is a quiet slow burner of a movie I recommend it for movie lovers who enjoy complex characters and films that aren't afraid to deal with sensitive subjects and a great Directorial debut feature film for Matthew Saville.
I found Juniper a very moving film but a little emotionally triggering by that I mean basically it "pressed my buttons." in parts.
I must admit I dozed off a little first viewing not because I was bored but just tiredness so I watched it again and I'm glad I did.
This interesting 2021 movie from New Zealand written and directed by Matthew J Saville is what I call a slow burner but by the conclusion I had definitely warmed to it .
The subjects that crop up in Juniper are confronting they include family alcoholism, grief, assisted dying, teenage suicide and parent child communication breakdown .
It's certainly not a musical comedy ,although come to think of it I have seen all those subjects portrayed in the modern musical theatre of today.
Sam ( George Ferrier) the teenage son of Robert (Martin Csokas ) on returning home from boarding school after a self-destructive spree prompted by his mothers death discovers his gin-soaked grandmother Ruth has moved in.
Ruth played by the wonderful actress (Charlotte Rampling) once had a lust for life . A former War photographer now old age , excessive alcohol abuse and her disappointment with life has turned her into a very bitter woman in a wheelchair approaching the finality of her life.
Sam is really a chip off his Grandmother's block and after an initial awkward and violent introduction a battle of wills ensues which eventually thaws out both of these strong and determined individuals resulting eventually in acceptance and reconciliation for all the family members including Sam's absentee Dad Robert played by Marton Csokas.
The two standout performances in Juniper are George Ferrier as Sam and of course Charlotte Rampling as Ruth and this film is worth watching just for them.
Charlotte Rampling said she found the semi autobiographical script by Matthew Saville "just very very compelling." Her first husband was a Kiwi and although not particularly wanting to leave her home in Saint-Germain Paris to travel across the world to New Zealand she said the story " came to her across the page" George Ferrier as Sam I think will be an interesting actor to watch I haven't seen the series "One of us is Lying "that he appears in 4 episodes of but I will look it up after seeing his passionate and sensitive performance as Sam in Juniper this 21 year old actor should receive plenty of role offers after Juniper.
Juniper is a quiet slow burner of a movie I recommend it for movie lovers who enjoy complex characters and films that aren't afraid to deal with sensitive subjects and a great Directorial debut feature film for Matthew Saville.
Interesting but no "Boy" or "Bellbird"
Jaffaroll6 August 2022
I dont mind bleak & slow, & I like NZ scenery, but somehow Juniper didn't engage me as I hoped. It is a bit predictable with a few hard to believe excursions of the story.
Sam ((George Ferrier) is forced to help care for his alcoholic harridan gran ( Charlotte Rampling). At first much yelling & angst between the two, slightly overdone at the start, - you can sort of do the script from here. As a foil of an almost normal person in the middle, is the nurse, very well played by Edith Poor.
The acting is good, Rampling great as ever (that face!) - & Ferrier, with the intimidating task of sparring with cinema royalty did very well. Marton Csokas as the father did what he could with a lesser role of an unappealing character. The schoolmates and the NZ scenery looked good. Certainly not the worst dysfunctional family drama I have seen & for me worth the trip to the movies.
Sam ((George Ferrier) is forced to help care for his alcoholic harridan gran ( Charlotte Rampling). At first much yelling & angst between the two, slightly overdone at the start, - you can sort of do the script from here. As a foil of an almost normal person in the middle, is the nurse, very well played by Edith Poor.
The acting is good, Rampling great as ever (that face!) - & Ferrier, with the intimidating task of sparring with cinema royalty did very well. Marton Csokas as the father did what he could with a lesser role of an unappealing character. The schoolmates and the NZ scenery looked good. Certainly not the worst dysfunctional family drama I have seen & for me worth the trip to the movies.
Charlotte Rampling vs young Kiwi guy
Quinoa_Chris_Kirk31 October 2021
A lonely young man struggling with his mother's death is confronted by the visit of his acerbic alcoholic grandmother.
I found this very moving. With very real characters whose lives you can feel right into and performances to match, with George Ferrier looking very good beside veterans Charlotte Rampling and Martin Csokas. I empathised strongly with the protagonist's situation: his grief, his inability to communicate it, his feelings of isolation and hopelessness, and also how the slightest hint of positive attention from someone new, unlike anyone else in your world, can change your whole perspective. A character study with vulnerable honesty and an underplayed depth of feeling.
I found this very moving. With very real characters whose lives you can feel right into and performances to match, with George Ferrier looking very good beside veterans Charlotte Rampling and Martin Csokas. I empathised strongly with the protagonist's situation: his grief, his inability to communicate it, his feelings of isolation and hopelessness, and also how the slightest hint of positive attention from someone new, unlike anyone else in your world, can change your whole perspective. A character study with vulnerable honesty and an underplayed depth of feeling.
Formulaic script. Great Acting
paulhrogers28 May 2023
I'm not sure why so many writers have to kill off the wife or mother and identify a loser father trying to be better , in order to create a story. But it may be that Walt Disney started that theme and it just continues to this day.
So I found the movie script writing pretty formulaic but the acting by Charlotte Rampling, and her grandson in the movie is pretty good.
So if you love Charlotte Rampling, or are interested in hanging around with an alcoholic aging ex war photojournalist which this movie.
But if you want to see a better film with Rampling covering much of the same subject matter. I'd recommend The Swimming Pool.
So I found the movie script writing pretty formulaic but the acting by Charlotte Rampling, and her grandson in the movie is pretty good.
So if you love Charlotte Rampling, or are interested in hanging around with an alcoholic aging ex war photojournalist which this movie.
But if you want to see a better film with Rampling covering much of the same subject matter. I'd recommend The Swimming Pool.
Charlotte Why
svader27 January 2022
A Small Movie With A Big Heart
rkeilitz-19-53791529 January 2022
Stumbled across this lovely movie on-line as any film with Charlotte Rampling always peaks my interest. The small cast gives very decent performances to a simple family story that many of us could relate to. If you are in a mellow mood as I was then it's worth a view. If you expect a pièce de résistance in film making then stay away. Once again Ms. Rampling at 75 with 134 screen credits to date commands the screen with her subtle but engrossing performance.
Fierce Performances in an Unconventional Story
brentsbulletinboard5 April 2023
Individuals seeking to sort out their personal challenges sometimes need to work together to achieve meaningful results. What's more, strange as it may seem, these situations often call for the formation of unlikely pairings to attain desired outcomes. Such is the case in writer-director Matthew J. Saville's debut feature about the unusual and stormy but beneficial relationship between a troubled teen (George Ferrier) mourning the loss of his mother and his prickly, salty-tongued English grandmother (Charlotte Rampling), a retired, independently minded war correspondent with a drinking problem who's convalescing from a severely broken leg at the family's remote New Zealand farm. What begins as a reluctant, seriously strained connection between two nonconformists gradually evolves into a knowing bond between a pair of mavericks who recognize, celebrate and act upon their unconventional impulses, acts that allow them to fulfill their potential as strong-willed individuals who aren't timid about fully and freely being themselves. In many ways, this is not the kind of association that one would expect to develop under circumstances like these, a development that gives this story a fresh take on intergenerational relations. But that's also why the film disappoints somewhat by ultimately falling back on a somewhat predictable narrative line and not allowing its innate strength to become as fully fleshed out as it could have been, particularly where the revelation of motivations is concerned. Nevertheless, those shortcomings are made up for by the picture's gorgeous cinematography of rural New Zealand, as well as the excellent break-out performance of Ferrier and the positively outstanding portrayal of Rampling, who handily turns in some of the best work of her career here. "Juniper" may not live up to everything it could have been, but it has a lot going for it that's well worthwhile, especially in its ability to move audience members as the story plays out. Enjoy what makes this moving comedy-drama work, but be sure to keep those hankies handy.
Superficial symbolism
bertu-297-20169622 July 2023
This is a movie with a lot of fairly cheap symbolism. There is very little reference or insight into the why of things. Avoiding spoilers, I need to stay a bit cryptic here. Why is grandmother, who never came to her son and grandson, now here? Why is the business in the UK so urgent, that one character that could bring a more interesting dynamic, leaving for most of the movie? Why is the grandson self-destructive? The casting of father and son is okay, the casting of Ruth is questionable, as her appearance is not as rough as would be approprite for the role. This is a sweet old lady, with a nice smile, not a rough war correspondent with heavy alcoholism.... In short, aside from some scenes with a bit of fun, there was very little in this movie that seemed in sync with the core of the story to be told. The happy ending underlines this dramatically. Pity.
Sweet and understated
ethanbresnett2 October 2022
Juniper is a very sweet and poignant piece, which has some truly emotional and punchy moments.
It is entirely predictable but this doesn't detract too much from its impact.
The performances are solid, if nothing particularly impressive.
The tone and style of the piece are all quite effective. There are very few bells and whistles with this film. It has a small cast and lets the story and characters speak for themselves.
There is something lacking from it which stops it being something truly special, and I can't quite put my finger on what it is. I think some of the characters could have been crafted a tad better and some greater nuance injected into certain moments.
However, it is still a very enjoyable and poignant film which you shouldn't let slip under the radar. Well worth a watch for sure.
It is entirely predictable but this doesn't detract too much from its impact.
The performances are solid, if nothing particularly impressive.
The tone and style of the piece are all quite effective. There are very few bells and whistles with this film. It has a small cast and lets the story and characters speak for themselves.
There is something lacking from it which stops it being something truly special, and I can't quite put my finger on what it is. I think some of the characters could have been crafted a tad better and some greater nuance injected into certain moments.
However, it is still a very enjoyable and poignant film which you shouldn't let slip under the radar. Well worth a watch for sure.
Rampling saves
SnoopyStyle10 August 2023
Ruth (Charlotte Rampling) is a drunken cantankerous retired war correspondent. After being immobilized by a broken leg, she comes to stay with her estranged son Robert (Marton Csokas) and more estranged grandson Sam (George Ferrier). Sam is bitter and suicidal after his beloved mother's death. Religious Nurse Sarah (Edith Poor) tries to save Ruth.
The story is pretty thin. It's a simple story of a dysfunctional family finding a connection. It's basically next to nothing except for the greatness of Charlotte Rampling. She drives this movie with her mere presence. The other actors are fine. The story could have done more. At the very least, Ruth could have gotten Sam laid. She is missing a heart to heart talk with her son. This is a matter of a star shining in any night sky.
The story is pretty thin. It's a simple story of a dysfunctional family finding a connection. It's basically next to nothing except for the greatness of Charlotte Rampling. She drives this movie with her mere presence. The other actors are fine. The story could have done more. At the very least, Ruth could have gotten Sam laid. She is missing a heart to heart talk with her son. This is a matter of a star shining in any night sky.
Charlotte steals this little gem of a film
wisewebwoman11 April 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Another hidden little gem. I spotted her name on some article and found it.
The story is fairly predictable, old grandmother, alienated suicidal grandson, absentee father.
But Charlotte is a force to be reckoned with. Alcoholic, enraged, violent and rude.
There is no quick resolution to all the tension she creates around her. And some scenes are downright funny. Especially when she assaults a clergyman who is trying to prepare her to meet her maker.
The slow meeting of the minds of herself and her grandson has no 2X4s. Very subtle and moving.
8/10- from me. Well worth the watch. Supporting cast was flawless.
The story is fairly predictable, old grandmother, alienated suicidal grandson, absentee father.
But Charlotte is a force to be reckoned with. Alcoholic, enraged, violent and rude.
There is no quick resolution to all the tension she creates around her. And some scenes are downright funny. Especially when she assaults a clergyman who is trying to prepare her to meet her maker.
The slow meeting of the minds of herself and her grandson has no 2X4s. Very subtle and moving.
8/10- from me. Well worth the watch. Supporting cast was flawless.
it is a cliche
Mahsay_6 February 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Well at first you expect so much from this movie, but after ten minutes from the movie, it disappoints you, because all the events were predictable. The story tempo is so slow that sometime you wanna skip some scenes.
The movie has unique times like watching the sunset for the last time that it was so dramatic and George Gerrier played so good in expressing his feelings (like how he holds her grandma's arm and kisses her shoulder times and times).
The movie has unique times like watching the sunset for the last time that it was so dramatic and George Gerrier played so good in expressing his feelings (like how he holds her grandma's arm and kisses her shoulder times and times).
life with grandma
lee_eisenberg2 May 2023
Matthew J. Saville's "Juniper" is probably not a movie that you'll be able to find easily, but you should try. It's a perceptive look at a teenager (George Ferrier) who has to take care of his grandmother (Charlotte Rampling) when she comes to live with the family in 1992 New Zealand.
Rampling has the perfect face for the role of the ornery grandma. Of course, the movie makes sure to flesh her out enough to understand her behavior, so that the viewer appreciates her more as the movie progresses.
In conclusion, having seen this movie, I hope that Saville continues to make movies. These sorts of movies give one a far deeper appreciation of cinema than do all these movies where Tom Cruise does a bunch of stunts.
Rampling has the perfect face for the role of the ornery grandma. Of course, the movie makes sure to flesh her out enough to understand her behavior, so that the viewer appreciates her more as the movie progresses.
In conclusion, having seen this movie, I hope that Saville continues to make movies. These sorts of movies give one a far deeper appreciation of cinema than do all these movies where Tom Cruise does a bunch of stunts.
Don't waste your time
bozewoman7827 May 2023
This movie is slow moving and exceptionally dark. Highly predictable plot line-nothing new here. You can predict the storyline after the first 10 minutes. They had a solid cast but they are wasted on a bad script. It's sort of a "Dead Poet's Society" meets "The Bucket List." I thought this movie was depressing and a waste of money. If you are into watching movies about dysfunctional families you might like it, but it's just not a good movie. At least it's got some long shots that are the beautiful New Zealand countryside. How many more movies do we need about dying people who treat people badly?
A film about life and death and the healing of family relationships
steiner-sam20 March 2023
It's a relationship drama set in New Zealand in the mid-1990s. It follows a troubled teenager still reeling from his mother's death from cancer and alienated from his father and grandmother.
Sam Stevenson (George Ferrier) is a teenage boy placed in a boarding school by his father, Robert (Marton Csokas), soon after the death of Sam's mother. Sam feels abandoned and has acted out his frustration in various ways. Robert brings Sam home from school when Robert's mother, Ruth (Charlotte Rampling), comes from England to recuperate from a fall and a slow-healing broken leg. Ruth was a famed wartime photographer but has alienated her son and grandson for years. Nurse Sarah (Edith Poor) accompanies Ruth to New Zealand. Sarah, a devout Catholic, hopes to save Ruth from her heavy drinking (a bottle of gin daily) and alienating personality.
The film follows Sam's relationship with his grandmother, especially when Robert leaves for England to look after some of his wealthy mother's estate issues. We learn more about Sam's trauma around his mother's death and the reasons for Ruth's alienation from her only son. We also understand the real reason Ruth came to New Zealand.
"Juniper," which gets its name from a key ingredient in gin, is a film about life and death and the healing of family relationships. It is not maudlin and features excellent performances by Ferrier and Rampling. A few scenes stretch credulity, including the logistics of managing Ruth's last decision. A white horse plays a crucial role in the story. In sum, "Juniper" is an outstanding film.
Sam Stevenson (George Ferrier) is a teenage boy placed in a boarding school by his father, Robert (Marton Csokas), soon after the death of Sam's mother. Sam feels abandoned and has acted out his frustration in various ways. Robert brings Sam home from school when Robert's mother, Ruth (Charlotte Rampling), comes from England to recuperate from a fall and a slow-healing broken leg. Ruth was a famed wartime photographer but has alienated her son and grandson for years. Nurse Sarah (Edith Poor) accompanies Ruth to New Zealand. Sarah, a devout Catholic, hopes to save Ruth from her heavy drinking (a bottle of gin daily) and alienating personality.
The film follows Sam's relationship with his grandmother, especially when Robert leaves for England to look after some of his wealthy mother's estate issues. We learn more about Sam's trauma around his mother's death and the reasons for Ruth's alienation from her only son. We also understand the real reason Ruth came to New Zealand.
"Juniper," which gets its name from a key ingredient in gin, is a film about life and death and the healing of family relationships. It is not maudlin and features excellent performances by Ferrier and Rampling. A few scenes stretch credulity, including the logistics of managing Ruth's last decision. A white horse plays a crucial role in the story. In sum, "Juniper" is an outstanding film.
implausible , full of tired tropes and cliche's
jmccrmck-6517227 February 2023
My partner and I walked out after an hour. It is almost always a mistake to wait for a film to get interesting or 'good' , this one is at no point worth watching .Charlotte Rampling is, of course, good but she can't make a good movie from an implausible, stupid script. It is indeed beneath her talents , way beneath. The characters never come alive and nothing could animate them except a completely different 'project'. Watching it made me cringe at how utterly her talents AND my time were wasted.
Why do I need 600 or more characters when there are so many 'one and done' trolls posting reviews here.
Why do I need 600 or more characters when there are so many 'one and done' trolls posting reviews here.
Solid But No Surprises
Minnesota_Reid10 May 2022
Powerful
quietneeded1 February 2022
Super powerful family dynamic movie that will get you right in the feels I wasn't sure at first but then there was a little change in the plan, I don't want to give it up. But incredible slice of life movie. Totally worth seeing.
An unexpected gem
Original_Acrobat27 August 2022
A quiet exploration of coming of Age and coming to the end of one's life. A fragmented family drawn together through the feisty alcoholic grandmother, Ruth. Sam didn't know he wanted or needed a grandmother until life, quite literally, hits him with one.
I was surprised at the edges of black comedy entwined with the exploration of life and death set in the stunning New Zealand rural scenery.
Sometimes the person we need to heal is is not the person we expected. Sometimes we need to have those experiences in life we would not seek out to show us our truth.
Ruth is played beautifully by Charlotte Rapling, she is clearly a woman with a well lived life, who has seen her share of horrors but we do not dwell on her past.
Sam, played by newcomer George Ferrier, plays a teenager with complex feelings and struggles but never comes across as the whiny teenager, he stands well next to Charlotte's portrayal of Ruth.
Sarah, the nurse (Edith Poor), is a quiet soul who understands her client's complex emotions and never judges her.
The little hints of New Zealand culture and views peppered through the film make this a beautiful gem of a film which will make you think about those people in your life you love, but may not necessarily like.
I was surprised at the edges of black comedy entwined with the exploration of life and death set in the stunning New Zealand rural scenery.
Sometimes the person we need to heal is is not the person we expected. Sometimes we need to have those experiences in life we would not seek out to show us our truth.
Ruth is played beautifully by Charlotte Rapling, she is clearly a woman with a well lived life, who has seen her share of horrors but we do not dwell on her past.
Sam, played by newcomer George Ferrier, plays a teenager with complex feelings and struggles but never comes across as the whiny teenager, he stands well next to Charlotte's portrayal of Ruth.
Sarah, the nurse (Edith Poor), is a quiet soul who understands her client's complex emotions and never judges her.
The little hints of New Zealand culture and views peppered through the film make this a beautiful gem of a film which will make you think about those people in your life you love, but may not necessarily like.
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