Review // Hello, My Name is Doris

[projekktor id=’23854′]

Sally Field shines in this off beat coming-of-age story from Michael Showalter. Field stars as Doris, a middle aged New Yorker who despite her colourful exterior, leads a dull, solitary life taking care of her age addled mother on Staten Island. The film opens on Doris’s lowest day – her mother’s funeral.

Despite her grief Doris discovers a new freedom after the burden of caring for her elderly parent has been lifted. But, when her brother Todd (Stephen Root) and his wife (Wendi McLendon-Covey) suggest that Doris relocate to the city so that they can sell their mother’s house, Doris is unable to move on with her life and clings to the one she had built with her mother. While dealing with her grief Doris also develops a crush on the new, hip and much younger art director at her company, John (Max Greenfield). Seeking the advice of her friend Roz’s 13-year-old granddaughter, Doris finds ways to connect with John. In the process Doris finds a place within the Brooklyn hipster crowd much to the chagrin of Todd and Roz (Tyne Daly).

There are some uncomfortable moments as the somewhat delusional Doris attempts to seduce John. Those moments highlight the incredible work by Field. The sincerity and humanity she brings to the offbeat character really grounds the film and makes it easy to connect with Doris, her embarrassing moments maybe be nearly unbearable, but the joyous ones are emphatic. Greenfield is a great straight man, and is empathetic and easy to fall for. The comedic supporting cast is stacked with Root, McLendon-Covey (The Goldbergs) Natasha Lyonne (Orange is the New Black), Kumail Nanjiani (Silicon Valley) and Beth Behrs (Two Broke Girls).

Hello, My Name is Doris is just as delightful as the trailer suggests. It’s funny, it’s real, it’s uplifting. This is a must see performance from Field who exudes old school cool.

Reviewed by Vithiya Murugadas.