What They Had

Name: What They Had
Released: 2018-10-19
Cast: Hilary Swank, Michael Shannon, Robert Forster, Taissa Farmiga, Josh Lucas

What They Had

R
1h 41m
2018

87%

age 15+

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From first-time writer and director Elizabeth Chomko, this "captivating family drama" that will make "you laugh as much as you cry" (Peter Travers, Rolling Stone) centers on a family in crisis. Bridget (two-time Oscar winner Hilary Swank) returns home to Chicago at her brother's (two-time Oscar nominee Michael Shannon) urging to deal with her ailing mother (two-time Emmy Award winner Blythe Danner) and her father's (Oscar nominee Robert Forster) reluctance to let go of their life together.

Director:

Elizabeth Chomko

Producer:

Writer:

Elizabeth Chomko

Cast:

Hilary Swank, Michael Shannon, Robert Forster, Taissa Farmiga, Josh Lucas, Blythe Danner

Rotten Tomatoes® Score

TOMATOMETER®

87%

Critics Consensus: What They Had finds laughter and tears in its portrait of a family at a crossroads, with writer-director Elizabeth Chomko getting outstanding performances out of a talented cast.

Reviews

Spirituality & Health

Bilge Ebiri

Terrific performances and an authentic portrait of a heartbreaking illness mark the touching drama...

This middling snoozefest demonstrates that good performances, a plausible story line, and relatabl...

This drama's beats will feel familiar to most middle-agers who face such decisions with their elde...

A good script is enhanced by a good cast.

What They Had displays beauty by caring for each character and not being frightened by its narrati...

July 1, 2019

FULL REVIEW

Common Sense Media

age 15+

Common Sense Says

Messy, loving family deals with Alzheimer's in mature drama.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that What They Had is a poignant drama about a family that's dealing with the very difficult issue of Alzheimer's; it's more focused on characters and life than it is on sickness and misery. It's a beautifully acted, big-hearted, messy hug of a movie for mature viewers. Language is quite strong, with multiple uses of "f--k," "s--t," "a--hole," and more -- sometimes shouted in anger during arguments. A married woman tries to seduce another man but is interrupted. There's some sex-related talk and a mention of possible sexual assault. Characters often drink socially/casually (one of them owns a bar), and some cigarette smoking is seen. Blythe Danner, Hilary Swank, Michael Shannon, and Robert Forster co-star.