Wendy and Lucy

Name: Wendy and Lucy
Genre: Drama
Released: December 10, 2008
Duration: 80 min
Rating: 80
Cast: Michelle Williams

2008

METASCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 32 Critic Reviews

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USER SCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 71 Ratings

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6.3

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6.3	User Score Generally favorable reviews based on 71 Ratings

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Wendy And Lucy

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Movie Details & Credits

Oscilloscope Pictures | Release Date: December 10, 2008 | R

Starring: Michelle Williams

Summary: Wendy Carroll is driving to Ketchikan, Alaska, in hopes of a summer of lucrative work at the Northwestern Fish cannery, and the start of a new life with her dog, Lucy. When her car breaks down in Oregon, however, the thin fabric of her financial situation comes apart, and she confronts a series of increasingly dire economic decisions, withWendy Carroll is driving to Ketchikan, Alaska, in hopes of a summer of lucrative work at the Northwestern Fish cannery, and the start of a new life with her dog, Lucy. When her car breaks down in Oregon, however, the thin fabric of her financial situation comes apart, and she confronts a series of increasingly dire economic decisions, with far-ranging repercussions for herself and Lucy. Wendy and Lucy addresses issues of sympathy and generosity at the edges of American life, revealing the limits and depths of people's duty to each other in tough times. (Oscilloscope Laboratories)… Expand

Director: Kelly Reichardt

Genre(s): Drama

Rating: R

Runtime: 80 min

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Critic Reviews

100

Peter Rainer

Improbably, it's one of the most affecting films of the year, which once again demonstrates that all you need to make a good movie is talent. Read full review

Owen Gleiberman

Wendy and Lucy is like "Lassie Come Home" directed by Antonioni. What's piercing about it, and also disturbing, is that Reichardt views the renunciation of society with something close to righteous purity -- as a lefty romantic dream. Read full review

J. Hoberman

Trembling throughout on the verge of a tearful breakdown, but far too dignified to allow her character to choke up, Williams delivers a sensationally nuanced performance that, were it not so resolutely undramatic, would constitute an aria of stoical misery. Read full review

Andrew O'Hehir

Reichardt is a tremendously conscientious filmmaker, and not out to torture the audience. Yes, this is a fraught and agonizing story, but the way it ends, although heartbreaking, is absolutely right. Read full review

James Berardinelli

The transformation undergone by Michelle Williams to play this role is nothing short of astounding. Read full review

Mick LaSalle

A film that might have seemed faintly academic six months ago becomes an anxious expression of its historical moment. Read full review

Joe Neumaier

Like a worst-case-scenario, indie-movie cliché, Wendy and Lucy throws every bone it can at the screen. Read full review

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User Reviews

DennisL.

Dec 11, 2008

Actress Williams is so compelling, without being overly dramatic. A short and touching story, low-key, quiet, sad; you know something is deeply troubling Wendy; you see why her dog is important to her. It feels real, and that's always difficult for a movie to convey. Director Reichardt Actress Williams is so compelling, without being overly dramatic. A short and touching story, low-key, quiet, sad; you know something is deeply troubling Wendy; you see why her dog is important to her. It feels real, and that's always difficult for a movie to convey. Director Reichardt does a great job here.… Expand

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JonathanF.

Jan 24, 2009

a moving tale of a broke woman trapped outside a society that won't let her in. probably too slow for some, the movie has a quiet pace fitting to the life wendy desperately tries to make new again. as she fights her way to alaska where a job awaits, her car breaks down and she loses a moving tale of a broke woman trapped outside a society that won't let her in. probably too slow for some, the movie has a quiet pace fitting to the life wendy desperately tries to make new again. as she fights her way to alaska where a job awaits, her car breaks down and she loses her dog, but as depressive the material is the film sits on michelle williams' quietly moving, and captivating performance. it's the most unrewarded, underappreciated performance of the year.… Expand

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JohnnyH

Apr 15, 2009

Poor Wendy. Poor Lucy. Poor us! Poor those who didn't see the value in this piece. Simple, honest, yet full of life; adventure, love, loss, kindness, and finally sacrifice. Full of aspiration and disappointment, dreams and stark cold reality. As much as I'd love to, I don't Poor Wendy. Poor Lucy. Poor us! Poor those who didn't see the value in this piece. Simple, honest, yet full of life; adventure, love, loss, kindness, and finally sacrifice. Full of aspiration and disappointment, dreams and stark cold reality. As much as I'd love to, I don't think I could bare to watch this one again. Where's my doggy? There you are! Such a good girl! ...Yes, I love you too, baby girl!… Expand

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JLuis_001

Jul 11, 2021

Deceivingly ordinary, and a bit difficult to digest the why of the actions seen on screen.

I say this because Wendy and Lucy is a depressing and sad film that progresses with misfortunes and bad decisions, but that's more than anything a showcase for Michelle Williams' performance.

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MikeH

May 9, 2009

While I really enjoyed and appreciated "Old Joy" this tale of a woman who makes many poor decisions did not involve me, whatsoever. Exposition is a good thing and is sorely needed in this instance.

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RobS.

Jun 9, 2009

The acting is good, but the story is pointless. It might has well ended mid-sentence. Did they run out of money and had to just end it?

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JohnB.

Jun 13, 2009

This is just the kind of film that gives movie critics a bad name. Widely reviewed by the "experts" as an exceptional film, this thing is a boring mess from start to finish. No story, lifeless acting and a completely nothing of an ending. Absolutely pathetic, and a complete waste of time and money.

0 of 0 users found this helpful

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