Regal but weary, Nora Neily is deeply resentful about being abandoned by her frustrated, guilt-ridden son, Kenny. When he drops Nora off, she’s sure her life is pretty much done. Then, her spunky former acquaintance Edna Buchanan wheels in and reminds her that she’s still got a heck of a lot of living to do.
Nora Neily is deeply resentful of being dropped off at the Shady Rest Retirement Home. But spunky resident Edna Buchanan has other ideas! Edna is loud and brash and tells everyone “I slept with your husband!” But she and Nora become friends, sharing stories, quilts, and booze. Edna tells Nora many stories that seem like they can’t be true, including that she was in a circus and performed “dancing on the elephant.”
There are several scenes where Nora tries to get them to escape from Shady Rest, only to be foiled by circumstances. Eventually Edna’s dementia worsens and prevents the escapades, but not the friendship.
This movie is both funny and sad, but shares the story of a friendship forged in the shared determination to age with dignity and humor. The movie is based on a play written by Lisa Hagen and she is also the screenwriter. It was filmed in Nova Scotia and most of the cast are Canadians.
My grandmother lived in a similar retirement home for many years and I often had lunch with her there, along with her regular “gang” of friends. Although none of them were as outrageous as Edna, it is good to have friends all along the way in life. I think she would have enjoyed this movie, as did I.
Recommended
Showings
Sat. March 14 at 2:30 p.m. at Alamo Drafthouse in Mountain View
For Trailers and Ticket Information
The film is also available virtually during Cinejoy, March 24-31, 2026
Debbie Bretschneider
March 13, 2026