The comedic drama film Your Sister’s Sister, had it been made as originally cast, would have had a different – some might say more British – vibe. Director Lynn Shelton had cast Mark Duplass, Emily Blunt, and Rachel Weisz in the three lead roles. The sisters would have both maintained their accents. The three of them worked on this comedy script and concepts with Shelton over eight months. Then the film’s production had to push. When this happened, Weisz had to drop out due to scheduling conflicts she had with the movie Deep Blue Sea. With only two days until filming began, Shelton cast Rosemary DeWitt to replace Weisz. (She had met her when directing an episode of “Mad Men.”) Luckily, DeWitt connected right away with the project and the loose production style, and they got the film made. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue our Lynn Shelton series with her 2012 comedy film Your Sister’s Sister.
Here’s a hint at what we talk about.
We find some nonsensical confusion created for us by the title because it feels like there should be three sisters… doesn’t it? It really doesn’t matter because it’s a cool and memorable title. Just don’t think about it too much. So if Blunt is one sister and DeWitt is the other… hrm… anyway. Duplass, Blunt, and DeWitt deliver strong and honest performances, though we debate if the story is too dramatic for the subject or if it works. Are Shelton’s films comedies? More debates abound over the genre label for them. (We decide they are more independent comedic dramas. Oh, wait… that’s mumblecore, right?) The dramatic open is great but we find it never feels like an element that’s dealt with in the film. Oh – and did we mention the gorgeous filming location in the Seattle area and the San Juan Islands?
It’s a solid story with great actors, even if it has some story elements we struggled with. Regardless, it’s a film worth watching and discussing. Check it out then tune in! The Next Reel – when the movie ends, our conversation begins!
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Film Sundries
- Watch this film: JustWatch
- Original theatrical trailer
- Original poster artwork
- Flickchart
- Letterboxd
