Michael Bonsignore, Maggie Riley, Nancy Jo Boone, Malerie Boone, Clint Vaught ...( see more  see more... ) , Gail Benedict

"Assisted Living" chronicles a day in the life of Todd, a janitor who spends his days smoking pot and interacting with the residents for his own entertainment. Todd's detachment from his surroundings ...( read more  read more... )is compromised only by his unlikely friendship with Mrs. Pearlman, a resident who begins to confuse him with her son. On this particular day, Todd must choose whether or not to play the part. "Assisted Living" is shot and staged in a real nursing home and gains much of its unique effect and style from the participation of actual residents and staff members. During much of the film, it is impossible to distinguish between what is real and what is fiction.

Flixster Users

71% liked it

584 ratings

Critics

77% liked it

44 critics

R, 78 min.

Directed by: Elliot Greenebaum

Release Date: February 1, 2003

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Flixster Reviews (40)


  • July 27, 2008
    My first job ever was as an aide in a nursing home. My mother-in-law also had Alzheimer's disease so I really wanted to like this movie. I ended up walking away with mixed emotions. The movie was shot documentary style using real assisted living residents in the background. It fo...( read more)cuses on a relationship between Todd, a dope smoking janitor and resident Mrs. Pearlman, who is developing Alzheimer's disease.

    The movie was cute on occasion, such as Todd talking on the phone to the residents and pretending to be God. There were more moments that were disturbing, such as his terribly unprofessional behavior. I almost cried when he let the therapy dog loose. He also seemed to have a lot more free time than I ever did. If I wanted to spent time with a patient, I usually had to stay over and do it on my own time!

    The ending was touching as Todd and patient bonded but the movie still left me unsettled.
  • February 11, 2008
    This film wouldn't be the same had it not been shot in an actual nursing home with residents and staff participating. There are some things that just can't be faked or acted, and for anyone that has ever worked in, been to, or visited a loved one in a nursing home, that would be...( read more) one of them.

    The relationship that 'Todd' develops with the residents (in particular Mrs. Pearlman), is touching and real, and goes deep enough to make this film thought provoking.

    Check your IFC listings.
  • July 27, 2007
    wow, this movie makes you really want to never get old
  • May 27, 2007
    This movie may be the saddest I've ever seen.
  • March 19, 2007
    A bit odd, but you just can't stop watching to see what happens next.
  • December 1, 2006
    Very well done film. Honest and thought provoking without coming across as dark or morose.

Critic Reviews


February 17, 2005
David Edelstein, Slate

What gives Assisted Living its power is that the film was shot in a real home for the aged, and the patients -- with the exception of Riley's Mrs. Pearlman -- are genuine. full review

View more Assisted Living reviews at RottenTomatoes.com

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