It's 25 years in the marriage of Olive (Frances McDormand) and Henry Kitteridge (Richard Jenkins) in small town Maine. They have a son named Christopher who has a troubled relationship with his cantankerous mother. Her personal demons stem from the family history of depression and her father's violent suicide. She's a junior high math teacher who develops a connection with fellow cranky teacher Jim O'Casey. Kevin Coulson is one of her student whose mother Rachel Coulson (Rosemarie DeWitt) is struggling with debilitating depression. Henry is the town pharmacist. Denise Thibodeau (Zoe Kazan) and Jerry McCarthy (Jesse Plemons) work for him in the store. His nice guy personality leads to flirtations with Denise especially after the hunting accident death of her husband, also named Henry. There are many people in and out of their lives over the years including finally the rich crank Jack Kennison (Bill Murray).This is a four hour HBO mini-series. So much happens and yet nothing really does in this marriage. They keep going on despite the many issues in their relationship. It gets really uncomfortable with Henry and Denise in that truck. There are amazing performances. I do wonder if this could work even better as a two hour indie darling. I could see this winning awards after stripping out a few side stories. The drug robbery could be dropped. Honestly, I couldn't stop thinking that it's Bill Murray every time he shows up on the screen. His part could be done with a lesser known actor as a final scene with Olive. Overall, this has amazing stuff although some of it is over-extended.

Frances McDormand is Olive Kitteridge, a hard-core no-nonsense New Englander dealing with a case of inner turmoil manifesting in bouts of indigestion and an impolite, abrupt attitude. Not a sweet woman, and not unlike some sour school teachers I knew in New Hampshire. The supporting cast is fantastic. Richard Jenkins as Olive's husband Henry Kitteridge is spot on. John Gallagher Jr. as their son portrays a young man's dynamic struggle to accept his parents and their ways. Cory Michael Smith's portrayal of the older Kevin Coulson is amazing, and it is hoped we see more of him in future roles. Some of the bit parts are charming. Ann Dowd as the Kitteridge's friend Bonnie Newton shines as what one might think a genuine Downeasterner. Martha Wainwright appears repeatedly as Angela O'Meara, a pianist and singer all dolled up and performing in the restaurant piano bars, lending some levity to the darkness. There are a large number of great actors and actresses giving excellent performances, which provide this drama with a vastness going beyond the usual character development. It is not a cute romantic comedy or anything like that, so if you're looking for something lighter Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks starred in some very nice films. This is not like any of that, it's a truly remarkable work of art.

I've just read some of the negative reviews about Olive Ketteridge. I thought it was obvious what we were getting into in the first 30 minutes of this brilliant mini series. Yes it's a bit downbeat. But Olive Ketteridge is about real people and real situations, and let's face it it reflects certain areas of real life. I think we've all known characters like the ones portrayed in Olive Ketteridge. All the performances are spot on. Plus there are many areas of Olive Ketteridge that made this viewer smile. So I don't see the negativity. Maybe the negative reviews come from people who wanted to see a Deloris Claybourne or a True Detctive. Olive Ketteridge is about love, loss and what ifs, and that's about it.. But it's told so well that one almost forgets that the story's so simple.

If you liked McDormand's performance in Fargo, Olive Kitteridge will surely not disappoint. I look forward to reading the book now and only wish that perhaps I'd read it before watching the mini-series. I loved much about this mini-series but most especially the straightforward way that depression is handled. Olive is a complex character (not all bad or all good) and while her behavior might be tough to swallow, McDormand treats us to a realistic portrayal of the disease of depression and how is affects every facet of her life and those around her. Some well played foreshadowing moments and times of contradictory behavior make the plot and characters more interesting. I gave it a 10/10 because this is the kind of movie I enjoy, but know that it might not appeal to everyone, especially if you just want to watch a feel good or relaxing movie. This one will challenge you to think a bit more and examine your own dysfunctional behavior (and/or that of your family) which may not be too comfortable. Also enjoyed the other characters, especially Henry and Christopher.