What Children Do

"What Children Do," directed by a relatively unknown filmmaker, is a story about relationships, identity, and the true meaning of family. At its core, it revolves around the lives of two estranged sisters, Samantha (played by Emma Stone) and Rachel (played by Saoirse Ronan), who have been out of touch with each other for years. Samantha, a successful businesswoman in her late twenties, has always been the more confident and driven sister. She took the family reins after their parents passed away when she was just a teenager, effectively becoming the guardian of their grandmother, Agnes. Samantha's world revolves around her high-powered marketing job and the luxuries it affords her. On the other hand, Rachel, now in her early twenties, has been drifting aimlessly through life. She never quite knew where she fit in or what she wanted to do with her life. This lack of direction led her down a path of partying, relationships, and dead-end jobs. The sisters' relationship began to deteriorate after their mother's passing, with Rachel feeling abandoned and Samantha pushing her to get her life together. The years went by, and their distance only grew larger. However, when news breaks that Agnes' health is failing, their estrangement takes center stage. The sisters receive an emotional letter from Agnes, who announces that she will be dying of cancer in a matter of months. Samantha takes it upon herself to bring Rachel back into the fold. Initially, Rachel is resistant to the idea of returning to her hometown and the life they left behind. But with her grandmother's final requests weighing on her mind, she decides to take the leap. This sudden return forces both sisters to confront their past and re-evaluate their lives. Upon Rachel's return, the two women find themselves in an awkward dance of catching up and trying to rediscover each other. The initial interactions are strained, with Samantha pushing Rachel to take responsibility for her life, while also subtly implying that she has failed in doing so. Rachel feels like an outsider in her sister's world, a fish out of water in a space where everyone seems to know what they want and have their act together. In the midst of their strained reunion, both sisters realize that Agnes is more than just a grandmother - she's a glue that holds their family together. Her impending loss brings a sense of urgency, and they start to reflect on their experiences, emotions, and choices. As Agnes's condition worsens, both women start to see their grandmother in a new light, rediscovering the stories she once shared with them and appreciating the love and sacrifices she made. However, this newfound appreciation doesn't necessarily mean they can instantly reconcile their relationship. Rachel is struggling to come to terms with her place in the world and her sense of identity. Samantha, though driven and confident on the outside, is secretly insecure about her role as the guardian of their grandmother and the pressure she feels to keep the family together. Throughout the movie, both women face setbacks and moments of growth. They clash over small issues, like how to take care of Agnes and what should be done with their grandmother's old house. These arguments, at first glance, seem trivial, but they serve as a backdrop to the true conflict: whether the sisters can truly move on from their differences and reconcile with each other before it's too late. As the weeks pass by, Agnes's strength begins to wane, but her spirit remains unbroken. Through numerous conversations and visits with both women, it becomes clear that she knows exactly what she wants: for her granddaughters to understand each other, to forgive, and to move forward from their past. Rachel takes it upon herself to finally make amends with Samantha and starts to take steps towards rebuilding their connection. This newfound understanding and appreciation between Rachel and Samantha culminates in a poignant scene where they, along with their grandmother, embark on one last road trip together. Throughout the journey, they reflect on the memories they've shared, and the ones they've yet to create. The movie ends with the passing of Agnes, but not without a newfound appreciation for the bond between the two sisters. They finally understand that family isn't just blood ties; it's the memories, stories, and laughter you share with those you love. As they stand by their grandmother's graveside, Rachel finally finds a sense of direction and purpose, while Samantha finds herself softening towards her sister and their family's history. Throughout the movie, "What Children Do" skillfully explores the complexities of sisterly love and the true meaning of family. It reminds us that reconciliation is rarely easy and that forgiveness requires a tremendous amount of courage, but ultimately, it's the most worthwhile effort we can make. As the credits roll, the viewer is left with a sense of hope, knowing that the bond between the sisters will stay strong and unbroken even after Agnes's passing.