If there’s one thing Hollywood loves as much as a reboot, it’s definitely remakes of foreign films. After The Wedding is an American remake of the 2006 Danish film by the same name, with a cast of big name actors. Michelle Williams stars as the lead of the film, Isabel, who manages an orphanage in Kolkata. Isabel must travel to New York to meet a mysterious benefactor (Theresa played by Julianne Moore) wishing to donate $2 million to the orphanage, and insists she will only meet with Isabel, no one else.
When Isabel travels to New York, Theresa is in the midst of planning her daughters wedding which is just days away. Being far too busy to meet properly, she tells Isabel they will meet after the wedding, and invites her to attend the wedding. Over the weekend a whole mystery is unravelled followed by many twists and turns that keep you guessing throughout the film.
In my opinion, Julianne Moore is the stand out of this film. She really nailed her performance of a strong, powerful and confident New York business woman, while also being a loving and caring mother. Michelle Williams was good, but I just didn’t feel for her character, maybe that was due to poor writing or poor acting. Isabel just didn’t seem at all grateful for the huge donation that was coming to her orphanage, and seemed like the trip to New York was such a massive inconvenience.
I’ve admittedly not seen the original Danish film so I can’t make the comparison, but I felt the story was well written enough and there were plenty of twists and turns along the way that kept me on the edge of my seat. Just when you think there couldn’t possibly be anything more, they throw another curve ball!
Overall After the Wedding is a good film, but nothing really worth raving about. Don’t get me wrong, I did quite enjoy it, however, it just left me wanting something more and I can’t quite put my finger on what that may be. Go out and see it, maybe you can tell me what’s missing. In all good cinemas now!