Review: ‘Then She Found Me’

I was pleasantly surprised by this little Independent film. It was an impressive vehicle for Helen Hunt to make her directorial debut. Hunt spent 10 years bringing this loosely based adaptation of Elinor Lipman’s novel to the big screen and it was worth the time and effort.

Then She Found Me opens with April Epner’s (Helen Hunt) wedding to the immature child-like Ben (Matthew Broderick). Several months go by without April becoming pregnant. Being adopted, April’s one wish is to experience the biological bond between mother and child, but at 39 years old she feels time is slipping away. Ben, not able to cope with any adult issues, leaves April to move back in with his mother. From this point on, April’s life falls apart. After her husband leaves, April’s beloved adopted mother dies, her biological mother, played by the fantastic Bette Miller, appears out of thin air, April meets the possible love of her life, played by the dashing Colin Firth, and then she finds out she is pregnant with Ben’s child. April’s mid-life crisis is a fantastic heart-felt journey to experience.

I cannot recommend this film more. There is perfect acting all around. Bette Miller stands out by pulling back her bigger then life personality into a caring mother trying to connect with  her  lost daughter. Colin Firth proves again how perfect he is as a leading-man. Helen Hunt makes you feel her pain and longing for a child of her own.

With this wonderful directorial debut, Hunt has solidified her future as a top notch director. Make sure to catch this intelligent romantic comedy before it leaves theaters.

Winner of the Palm Springs 2008 International Film Festival Audience Award

Rated R for language and some sexual content.

[rating:4.5/5]