Frailer

FRAILER, a drama about four women learning to cope with terminal illness, is at once wrenching and inspirational. In her 1997 film “Brittle,” Mijke de Jong directed these same actresses as sisters at a reunion who hash out old rivalries and common bonds. FRAILER brings the women together again – and initially it seems they’re just acting out their roles. But when we learn the one they call Mouse (Leonoor Pauw) is really dying of cancer, the film takes on new depth. The women confess their thoughts about existence and fear of the unknown. They hang out together, doing what sisters do: eating, gardening, bickering, holding each other – and crying. In a show of solidarity, they wear matching dresses to accompany Mouse to chemotherapy. Though she’s afraid to surrender herself to the night, Mouse can count on her sisters being there every step of the way. FRAILER is a powerful and ultimately joyful film that underlines the importance of sisterhood. (In Dutch with subtitles) – B.B.