Boys on the Side

Boys on the Side is a compelling, multi-layered 1995 drama that chronicles the intertwined lives of three women who depart on a cross-country road trip, each carrying their private dreams, fears, and secrets. Directed by Herbert Ross, the film boasts a star-studded lead cast of Whoopi Goldberg, Mary-Louise Parker, and Drew Barrymore who take their audiences on a journey of friendship, self-discovery, and survival in the most profound sense of these terms.

Jane (Whoopi Goldberg), a lesbian lounge singer with a bitingly funny exterior, but an uncommonly soft heart, is our protagonist who decides to leave New York City. She finds an ad in the personals column about a woman looking for a traveling companion to drive her to California. Jane is more than keen to make a fresh start and so she agrees to drive Robin (Mary-Louise Parker), a real estate agent with a closely guarded secret about her health. Despite their decidedly different personalities, an odd friendship starts to bud between the free-spirited, caustic Jane and introverted, upstanding Robin.

Along their drive, they make a pit stop in Pittsburgh to visit Jane’s friend, Holly (Drew Barrymore), a quirky young woman with a troubled relationship. The unexpected turn of events inspires Holly to set off with Jane and Robin, joining their road trip towards California. The dynamic of this unlikely trio unfurls the heart of the movie - a riveting exploration of feminine camaraderie, resilience, and bonding that’s seldom depicted with such depth and humor.

Boys on the Side is a remarkable blend of comedy and drama. It doesn't portray these women as victims or saints, but as vibrant and faulty individuals navigating through life's challenges. Each character is immensely flawed and relatable, keeping audiences refreshingly engaged. The narrative truly shines through its emotional intelligence and striking portrayal of each character's authentic struggles and triumphs. The film skillfully uses humor as a defensive mechanism that these women use to cope with their circumstances, in a portrayal that feels honest and resonates emotionally.

Whoopi Goldberg's portrayal of Jane is exceptional. She gives an endearing performance as a woman who carries her sexual orientation with grace and conviction while being resilient and caring. Mary-Louise Parker’s Robin is the perfect foil. She offers an astonishingly luminous performance as a woman who eventually resolves within herself a calm acceptance of her life, changing the barriers into bridges. Drew Barrymore, as Holly, shines in her role as the youngest of the lot, maturing from a gullible girl to a determined woman.

The bonding and love between the trio lay the foundation of the movie. As the story develops, their friendship and dependence on each other grow in an organic way that feels genuine. The utilization of a female-centric narrative without heavily relying on melodrama and predictable storyline is where the movie sets itself apart.

Adding the final touch to the movie is the exceptional soundtrack featuring the likes of Bonnie Raitt, Sheryl Crow, and The Pretenders. The music intertwines subtly with the narrative, enhancing the film's emotional appeal. A standout track is “You Got It” a knock-out number performed by Whoopi Goldberg that deserves applause.

One of the significant strengths of Boys on the Side is its refusal to be pigeonholed into any one genre. It effortlessly switches from a road trip movie to a film about friendship and relationships, from drama to comedy, and from a feminist narrative to a tale of survival. It does this without losing focus on the main story, which remains the transformation, acceptance, and uncompromised love between the three main characters.

Boys on the Side is a refreshing take on the bond of sisterhood and resonates as an exploration of life with all its sorrows and joys. It's as heart-warming as it is heart-wrenching. Characterized by stand out performances by the leading women and a robust supporting cast, it explores themes of friendship, acceptance, resilience, compassion, survival, love, and loss. The film leaves its viewers questioning the very notion of family, love, and the lengths we are willing to go to keep those we love safe and happy. It reminds its audiences that ultimately, we are all just seeking companionship and connection in this journey called life. It's an iconic ode to female friendship and is overall an intensely emotional and satisfying watch.