Rare Objects (2023) User Reviews

Julia Mayorga is a rising star

[ferguson-6 · 6/10 · 14 April 2023]

Greetings again from the darkness. The emotional turmoil in the aftermath of being the victim of sexual assault is incomprehensible to anyone who hasn't experienced such trauma. Writer-director Katie Holmes and Phaedon A Papadopoulos have adapted Kathleen Tessaro's 2016 novel, transitioning it from depression-era to modern day New York City. At the center of the story are two women, one working diligently to regain some control of her life, and another with a form of mental illness that seems to prevent a return to normalcy.

We first see Benita (Julia Mayorga, "American Rust") as she is ending her stay for therapy. She has been the victim of a sexual assault that led to an abortion. Her reunion with her mother (Saundra Santiago, "Miami Vice") is quite awkward since Benita hasn't told her mom any of what she's been through ... only that she's taking some time off from college classes. As Benita looks for a job in the old neighborhood, we see her visions and flashbacks - what led to the attack, as well as her bonding with Diana (director Katie Holmes) during therapy.

The owner (Alan Cumming) of a local antique shop takes a shine to Benita and not only offers her a job, but also tutors her on how best to deal with their customer base. One of those customers happens to be the same Diana from therapy. It turns out Diana and her brother come from big money, and he does what he can for his sister. Things get interesting when the shop's co-owner, Winshaw (Derek Luke, Holmes' co-star in PIECES OF APRIL, 2003) shows up. Life lessons and philosophical mutterings are sprinkled throughout conversations in the shop, and Benita really values her budding friendship on the outside with Diana.

The lessons here are plenty, and most of them are quite obvious and re-treads from other stories. One can't ever really go home again and have it be the same. Old friends may run into each other, but the connection is different in adulthood (partners, kids, jobs, etc all change people's priorities). We can all make new friends, but if the history isn't there, the bond is only so strong. Alan Cumming offers up the best lesson when he discusses how broken vases can be reassembled, with their repaired cracks creating more beauty and value. Everyone in this movie is broken in their own way, and it's true that for those who persevere, the cracks add strength and beauty. Julie Mayorga is a rising star, and Saundra Santiago, Derek Luke, and Alan Cumming all deliver their usual strong performances. Looking at bad memories as bad dreams can often help folks recover, but true mental illness is a significant battle for all involved. As a side note, this is yet another movie where the background music is played entirely too loud and often interferes with the dialogue and flow.

Opening April 14, 2023.

Katie filmmaker Holmes

[SnoopyStyle · 5/10 · 7 October 2023]

Benita Parla (Julia Mayorga) is struggling after trauma. She finds possible safe harbor in an antique store owned by Peter Kessler (Alan Cumming) and Diana Van der Laar (Katie Holmes) who is dealing with mental illness.

Katie Holmes is the director and co-writer. This is the first of her as either that I've seen. I'm not a big fan of her acting since her Dawson's Creek days. I like the lead and some others although Katie's acting remains an issue. As a director/writer, at least she's trying to do something different. The slow pacing really gets to me. I have difficulties with this film. This movie either speaks to you or not. I'm not hearing it.

Unfocused and lacks depth

[nadia444 · 5/10 · 24 March 2024]

It's not what I anticipated but also not dreadful or ambiguous as some reviews imply. The writing feels unfocused and messy but perhaps it's intentional to reflect that life is messy (there's a line spoken that says as much).

Not hard to follow, it's a fairly basic plot but feels hollow in delivery and drags in parts that are unnecessary to move the story forward or hang too long on moments after the point is made. The subject matter is emotionally heavy (has grit and opportunity to explore deeper) yet the vibe is too light, lacking substance.

We get glimpses of why Belita is broken and about Diana's mental health issues but too much is left unsaid, unexplored. There is a conclusion for both women yet I feel unsatisfied with the story. Slow movie but fast wrap up is how it feels.

I would've been fine if I skipped it. Not worth watching. It's not good, not bad, just blah.

Didn't care for it

[The_nibs · 3/10 · 3 July 2023]

The protagonist is a lovely actress, and Alan Cummings is adorable, but the drama is predictable and lacking. I have not read the book but I was hoping that this film was really going to unpack the trauma of sexual assault victims. Instead it focuses more on Holmes' character, a bipolar/schizophrenic addict who fidgets a lot, and her relationship with Benita. In fact their surface level friendship takes up a good portion of the film but it's not terribly interesting. They have a couple of giggly late night chat sessions, get drunk a couple of times, and wax poetic about life, but other than being broken, which apparently every character is in some capacity, I don't see what they have in common. I'm a trauma victim, I just don't see bonding over mental illness as a positive thing. I also really disliked how preachy this film feels, characters constantly drop feel good lines about beauty, honesty and rebirth, it feels like a Pinterest board full of inspirational quotes, and they like to show broken objects constantly to remind you of how broken the characters are, but unlike objects people cannot be repaired with some gold epoxy resin. And that's the big drawback here, a woman who was raped almost never discusses or receives therapy for it, and we're suppose to believe she picks up and moves on. Sexual trauma is a life time affliction, and it would take way longer for this woman to acclimate post trauma than it depicts in the film. It honestly undermines the severity of mental health in pursuit of touting some flowery speech and feel good moments. I think Katie Holmes would have been better sticking to Pinterest.

Young woman in NYC tries to get her life together.

[TxMike · 6 August 2023]

There are several stories going on here but the central one is a college student called Benita, she lives with her single mom, there is no hint of a father. She attends CUNY and hopes to get a degree in Economics. She views it as something that will allow her to get a decent job.

But something traumatic happens after she meets a seemingly nice stranger at a bar. It disrupts her entire existence. She gets help, ends up in a facility that treats people with emotional and/or drug and alcohol issues. When she gets out she does not tell her mom about it all, but does say she is "taking a break" from college.

Katie Holmes co-wrote the screenplay and directs it. She also has a prime role as a woman of a wealthy family but who has no control of her life. She and Benita meet at the facility and become friends.

Benita is determined to get her life back on track, she interviews for a job working in a store that sells antique items to wealthy customers. Her boss is played by Alan Cumming.

My wife and I watched it on DVD from our public library. The whole movie has an unusual feel to it, including how relationships are handled. Still it was an enjoyable watch as something different, and to see how the various dynamics worked out.

Not a bad film, but NOT the book

[stacyrowold · 6/10 · 17 January 2024]

I watched this while also.reading the book. Acting was good, performances were authentic, but I was so disappointed with the modernization of the story. Part of the charm and appeal of the novel was the post-WW2 setting, The nuances between the class differences & immigrants was somewhat present, but no where close to that found on the page.

All of that said, this is a story that does make us all stop and listen. Cummings shines as the antique store owner, I also appreciated that the trigger-worthy moments were not dwelt on, but shared only enough to set context. Overall, a thoughtful movie that would have been better served set in the appropriate decade.

Took me 3 hours to watch a 2 hour movie

[Bulldogmom70 · 3/10 · 10 July 2023]

I should have turned it off after the first 15 minutes but I really wanted to give it a chance. I stopped it multiple times to do more exciting stuff like laundry.

This movie made me realize what a horrible actress Katie Holmes is. It was cringy to watch her play the role of a mentally unstable woman. I don't think she prepared at all for this role. She used her typical smirky smile and a ton of giggling throughout the movie to pass off as acting. The director should have given better directions but then she was the director.

Not one character was likable and the storyline and relationships felt extremely forced, it all looked like poor acting.

Slow but so many great lessons.

[corribiesemeyer · 10/10 · 9 January 2024]

I am giving this movie a higher rating simply because the movie resonates with where I am in life, coming to terms with a lot of grief and hard emotions. This movie forced me to slow down and think and feel my own experiences. The movie was slow, there was a lot of room for improvement but I thought it was really beautiful. There was this uncomfortable tension amongst all the characters that was felt and added a certain electricity. It was completely different than expected but much appreciated from my own perspective. This movie won't be for everyone as the ratings reflect. I would have loved a little more development and dialogue.

Enough is Enough

[dvqpbfp · 8/10 · 26 May 2023]

This movie is about looking at your life. Enough is enough - More can kill you.

People and Society expect you to be as much as possible. If you have ability then you have to use it to progress as far as you can. This movie says - just enjoy what you want to be. Less is More.

The two Mum's represent the pressures that Society put on you. The antique shop guys represent a world where you can enjoy who you are - but even that can be sad if you lose your soulmate - but even that can be pisitive if you reflect on the joy that it brought.

This movie is great - if you are willing to hear, rather than just listen.

Perfectly underrated NOT your boring Hollywoodian script.

[karolygrof · 10/10 · 27 May 2023]

When I first read the summery, I was hoping not to watch just another revenge or vindication story and I am glad I didn't judge the book by the cover. I thought to myself, let's give it a try simply because of the stars playing in it. I was very pleasantly surprised.

It is more of a realistic approach to human nature, how lives intertwine and friendships are formed. The story evolves around human emotions in a very delicate way. Thanks to the brilliant writing I was watching and experiencing a huge range of complex human emotions, and the even more brilliant acting made it impossible to look away. I often get easily bored by American produced money making blockbusters and ending up stop watching, not this time.

Rare Objects is hugely underrated, we need more movies like this!

I enjoyed the movie

[kbarb-55649 · 10/10 · 20 January 2024]

I thought it was terrific. Katie Holmes' performance was exceptional in my opinion. I'm not really familiar with her acting but I was blown away. She was beyond convincing in the role. The facial expressions, the sadness and torment in her eyes. I felt it. I'm surprised at alot of the low reviews on this film. Can't please everyone I suppose.

Great acting all around. Julia was terrific. Not familiar with her until this role. I'm familiar with Alan Cumming - great actor.

It kept my interest. I didn't pause it which is rare for me. Lol. I looked up the movies she's been in and there are a ton of them! I look forward to more of Katie's work.

Recommend it.

Self Discovery takes time

[brewerlogan · 10/10 · 17 January 2024]

The tale of two damaged women from different socio economic backgrounds weaves slowly through the streets of New York and an interesting curio shop. Since character development takes time, the pace was appropriate and and created a beautiful tapestry of pain, hope, forgiveness and the chance at happiness. Just like life.

I would recommend this movie to anyone who likes foreign and art films. It truly was an interesting take on life and mental illness.

The acting was excellent and the actress playing Bonita is someone I will now look for in future films. Kati Holmes' character was so vulnerable you could feel her pain.