Miss You, Love You

Matt Roush says...

Allison Janney scorches the screen as not-so-merry widow Diane Patterson in director-writer Jim Rash’s funny-sad two-hander dramedy. Andrew Rannells (The Book of Mormon) co-stars as Jamie Simms, an awkward interloper who intrudes on Diane’s solitude and grief, volunteering to help her plan her husband’s funeral in place of her absent son, a renowned writer for whom he works as an assistant. Snappish, peevish, and bitter, Diane greets the affable Jamie with the opposite of grace, but the relationship thaws as they get to know each other and understand each other’s complicated relationship with the never-seen Tyler, who’s overseas pursuing a tricky interview. Jamie could use a mom, and Diane could benefit from even a surrogate son, making their tenuous bond a memorable one in the play-like scenario set in the New Mexico desert.

What's Worth Watching (May 29)