Emotional Arithmetic

Emotional Arithmetic is a thought-provoking, emotionally-charged drama set in the aftermath of World War II. The movie follows the lives of three survivors of the Holocaust who cross paths at a healing retreat center in rural Quebec.

Susan Sarandon stars as Melanie, a former Holocaust survivor who has been haunted by her past for more than half a century. Melanie, along with her husband and daughter, visit the retreat center in hopes of finding closure and reconnecting with the past. Here, they meet up with other survivors of the Holocaust, including Jakob (Christopher Plummer) and Christopher (Gabriel Byrne).

Jakob and Melanie were childhood sweethearts before they were separated by the war, and their reunion triggers a flood of memories and emotions. The two reminisce about their past lives and the horrors they endured, sparking deep-seated feelings and unresolved emotions.

Christopher, a profoundly deaf intellectual, becomes an integral part of the group and gradually reveals his own tragic story. Through a series of flashbacks, we learn that he was the only survivor of his family, who were murdered by the Nazis in a concentration camp.

As the group confronts their painful pasts, they begin to form connections and find solace in each other, struggling to come to terms with their trauma and to start to heal. The conflicts and memories of the past still linger, however, and the characters find themselves trapped in a web of sadness and desperation, unable to fully let go of their past.

The film's slow pace and introspective tone allow the audience to fully immerse themselves in the weighty themes being explored. The characters' arcs are carefully crafted by the director, weaving together the painful memories, grief and trauma that they must work to overcome.

The performances by the veteran cast are of exceptional quality.Strong performances by Susan Sarandon, Christopher Plummer, and Gabriel Byrne provide an emotional intensity that can be felt throughout the movie. Sarandon is particularly powerful as Melanie, conveying the depth and complexity of her character with quiet dignity.

Emotional Arithmetic deals with some very heavy issues and is definitely not for everyone. It is, however, an emotionally affecting and thought-provoking film that explores the lasting effects of trauma and grief, shining a light on the healing process of survivors of the Holocaust. Its message of hope and resilience is timeless, and the film is a poignant reminder of the importance of never forgetting the atrocities of the past to ensure they are never repeated.