One True Thing (1998)
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89% of critics liked it
(61 reviews) -
65% of users liked it
(9,227 ratings)
Carl Franklin directed this family drama adapted from the 1995 novel by former New York Times columnist Anna Quindlen about a young woman who goes back home to take care of her dying mother. In 1987-88, independent Ellen Gulden (Renee Zellweger), a Harvard grad, is working on a New York Magazine… More Carl Franklin directed this family drama adapted from the 1995 novel by former New York Times columnist Anna Quindlen about a young woman who goes back home to take care of her dying mother. In 1987-88, independent Ellen Gulden (Renee Zellweger), a Harvard grad, is working on a New York Magazine investigative article when she hears from her father, George (William Hurt), a literary critic and university professor. He tells Ellen she's needed at home to care for her mother, Kate (Meryl Streep), who's due for surgery. Ellen needs to get away from the problems of her relationship with her boyfriend Jordan (Nicky Katt), but she plans to continue work on the magazine article from home. In truth, Ellen is uncomfortable with her mother's various ladies club lunches, and holiday preparations, and she finds communication with her mother awkward. Once Ellen arrives back home, she's dismayed to find herself caught in the web of her mother's Middle America activities. Ellen's attitude changes when it becomes apparent this probably will be the final Thanksgiving and Christmas with all family members present. But tensions erupt as long-buried family secrets emerge. Locations in New Jersey were used to create the film's Eastern coastal college town. Shown at the 1998 Montreal Film Festival. ~ Bhob Stewart, Rovi
- Directed By
- Carl Franklin
- Written By
- Karen Croner
- Genres
- Drama
R,
- In Theaters
- Sep 18, 1998 Wide
- Studio
- Universal Pictures
Critic Reviews
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, Time Out
The script shifts audience sympathies about quite adroitly, though it's a pity all the men had to be such humbugs.
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Rick Groen, Globe and Mail
A well-oiled machine manufactured to tap our welled-up ducts.
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Peter Travers, Rolling Stone
Even director Carl Franklin...can't prevent One True Thing from descending into chick-movie hell.
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Kenneth Turan, Los Angeles Times
One True Thing demonstrates that the power of simple things, the transcendent nature of the ordinary, can make for riveting filmmaking.
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Lisa Schwarzbaum, Entertainment Weekly
An emotional drama!
See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes
Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)
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Cast
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Meryl Streep
as Kate Gulden
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Renée Zellweger
as Ellen Gulden
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William Hurt
as George Gulden
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Tom Everett Scott
as Brian Gulden
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Lauren Graham
as Jules
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Nicky Katt
as Jordan Belzer
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James Eckhouse
as District Attorney
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Patrick Breen
as Mr. Tweedy
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Gerrit Graham
as Oliver Most
