Before You Know It

Before You Know It is a 2019 American comedy-drama film directed by Hannah Pearl Utt, who also stars in the film alongside Ayden Mayeri and Oona Yaffe. The movie follows the story of Rachel (Hannah Pearl Utt) and Jackie (Ayden Mayeri), two sisters who live and work in New York City's theatrical community. Rachel and Jackie's world turns upside down when they discover that their presumed-dead mother, who they thought had passed away when they were young, is actually alive and performing in a popular daytime soap opera.

The film opens with Rachel and Jackie working on their father's play, which has become a staple of their theater company's repertoire. Rachel, a stage manager, is trying to keep everything running smoothly while taking care of Jackie, who is an aspiring actress and writer. The two sisters are also taking care of their father, Mel (Mandy Patinkin), a successful playwright who has become increasingly distant in the wake of their mother's supposed death.

When the sisters receive news that their father has died, they are shocked to learn that their mother, Sherrell (Judith Light), is still alive and has been living in New York City this whole time. Angry and confused, Rachel and Jackie confront Sherrell, who welcomes them with open arms and takes them into her world of soap opera stardom.

As Rachel and Jackie try to reconnect with their mother, they also struggle with their own issues. Rachel is in a relationship with a married man and is trying to come to terms with her own sense of self, while Jackie is struggling to achieve success in a male-dominated field. The sisters' journey is a heartfelt exploration of family, identity, and the power of the past to shape our lives.

One of the most striking elements of Before You Know It is its attention to detail. From the meticulous set designs to the subtle character nuances, the film is an immersive and engaging experience. The humor is witty and intelligent, and the drama is tempered with a sense of warmth and compassion. The film is also notable for its diverse cast, with a number of women, people of color, and LGBTQ actors taking on prominent roles.

The performances in Before You Know It are uniformly excellent. Hannah Pearl Utt, who also co-wrote the film, is a standout as Rachel. She brings a depth and vulnerability to the character that makes her journey all the more compelling. Ayden Mayeri is also fantastic as Jackie, capturing the character's wit and ambition with ease. Judith Light is an absolute delight as Sherrell, imbuing the character with a sense of glamour and charm that is hard to resist.

Overall, Before You Know It is a must-watch for anyone who loves heartfelt, character-driven cinema. The film is a celebration of family, identity, and the power of hope. It is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of staying true to oneself, no matter what obstacles lie in our path.