Legendary performer Judy Garland arrives in London in the winter of 1968 to perform a series of sold-out concerts.
I’ve seen many films about the life of Judy Garland and I have to say this specific story which focused on her time performing in London just six months before her death, definitely drew me in the most. Whenever I watch films about legendary icons, I’m always hoping to uncover new details that I haven’t heard before, like a rare piece of information or characteristic hardly shared in other stories, which is what I found it in this movie.
We’ve always known that Judy Garland (played here by Renée Zellweger) spent her whole childhood in front of the camera, controlled and abused by the studio executives that didn’t have her best interest in mind. In this film, we see that behind the terrible treatment, her hunger to be adored by an audience was part of her driving force. After a life of ups and downs, she finds herself in a terrible custody battle with her third husband, Sidney Luft (Rufus Sewell), which propels her to take a contract performing in London where she is still a star and adored by her fans. Regretfully leaving her children behind, she accepts the arrangement in order to earn enough to provide for them.
She meets a young charming man named Mickey Deans (Finn Wittrock) who sweeps her off her feet and makes her forget about her troubles, but shortly after they marry, reality sets in when he fails to uphold his promise on a business deal he would get for her. Her life again seems to fall apart as she realizes that he is just like the others, an outsider who brings nothing to the table.
I absolutely loved Renée Zellweger in this film, her transformation was beautiful and one that allows you to see a Judy that is funny, witty yet strong and who truly adored her children. I appreciate the story not dwelling too much on her downfalls and drug abuse because although that was an intricate part of her lifestyle, it was not all of who she was. The cast came together perfectly and the performances were generous. I left the theater feeling I was re-introduced to Judy Garland in a way that I hadn’t seen before and that was just what I was looking for. This is extremely well put together, it is emotional and entertaining and you’re going to love it.
In Theaters Friday, September 27th
