An adaptation of Ayelet Waldman's novel Love and Other Impossible Pursuits deals with the complicated issue of love in difficult times.
Emilia (Natalie Portman) is a lawyer living with her husband Jack (Scott Cohen). She is a stepmother to his four-year-old son, William (Charlie Tahan).
The film focuses on her struggle to fulfil her role as a mother to William, who is indifferent to her as he is still trying to come to terms with his parents' divorce.
To add to the stress, Emilia also has to live with constant interference from Jack's angry ex-wife Carolyn (Lisa Kudrow). Yet her toughest test comes when her newborn baby suddenly dies. Emilia blames herself for killing the baby, who dies in her arms after being fed.
Director Don Roos has chosen to tell the story with some flashbacks. The casting is perfect: Tahan's performance is impressive, as are Portman's and Kudrow's.
Yet the movie can be taxing emotionally at times, with some scenes that may upset viewers. If you are feeling blue, it's probably not the best movie choice because of the serious subject matter. It will leave you with some unhappy thoughts about the realities of family life.