Falling in love is something very special, erotic, and mysterious. Marriage takes that initial attraction and makes it grow into something richer and more varied. Any difficulties encountered in this intimate relationship can then be opportunities to grow together and to discover deeper reserves of love. But today, more and more couples are unable to sustain their marital commitment. Divorce is rampant, and it makes it harder to fall in love again given all the suffering, pain, disappointment, and stress suffered in the previous relationship.

The three main characters in Enough Said are still feeling the emotional aftershocks of divorce. We are in good hands for this exploration of the quest for love of two women and one man who are all uneasy with the energy, creativity, and persistence it takes to start all over again. Writer and director Nicole Holofcener has already created for us a wonderful series of character-driven films (Walking and Talking, Lovely & Amazing, Friends With Money, and Please Give) about the tricky and quirky nature of intimate relationships in these times.

Eva (Julia Louis-Dreyfus) is a divorced masseuse; she lives with her daughter Ellen (Tracey Fairaway) who is preparing to head off to college. At a party, Eva meets two people who will become major figures in the transformation of her life. Albert (James Gandolfini) is a divorced middle-aged man who works in a center dedicated to the history of television. He also has a teenage daughter who is set to leave home for college. On their first date, they have a good time together talking naturally and laughing easily. She feels at ease with him, and he is pleased that they seem to be in sync with one another. Chloe (Tavi Gevinson), Ellen's best friend, who prefers to spend time with Eva than with her own mother, characterizes Albert as a sweet and funny man.

The other person Eva meets at the party is Marianne (Catherine Keener), a published poet who suddenly becomes a client and a friend. The masseuse is impressed with this attractive and self-confident woman who knows Joni Mitchell. They get along well until Eva realizes that she is actually Albert's former wife. Then instead of pulling out of this relationship, she eagerly listens to Marianne's catalogue of her ex's failings as a slob, a boring person, a loser in comparison with other men, an inadequate lover, and an obese person who couldn't lose weight.

In a get-together with her married friends Sarah (Toni Collette) and Will (Ben Falcone), Eva launches a verbal attack on Albert using some of the material she learned from Marianne. He is hurt and humiliated and unable to understand why this woman who seemed so giving could suddenly sound like his ex-wife. Albert decides to end the relationship and both of them are saddened by the breakup. Can they find a way back to each other?

You will have to see Enough Said for the answer to that question. What this revealing movie has taught us is that starting again and plugging along in intimate relationships after divorce takes the patience and kindness of a saint and the creative daring and courage of a mountain climber.


Special features on the DVD include promotional featurettes: cast, story, meet Eva and Albert, Nicole Holofcener, & Louis-Dreyfus.