Hubbry Logo
What They HadWhat They HadMain
Open search
What They Had
Community hub
What They Had
logo
7 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
What They Had
What They Had
from Wikipedia

What They Had
Theatrical release poster
Directed byElizabeth Chomko
Written byElizabeth Chomko
Produced by
Starring
CinematographyRoberto Schaefer
Edited byTom McArdle
Music byDanny Mulhern
Production
companies
  • Unified Pictures
  • Bona Fide Productions
  • Look to the Sky Films
  • June Pictures
Distributed byBleecker Street
Release dates
  • January 21, 2018 (2018-01-21) (Sundance)
  • October 19, 2018 (2018-10-19) (United States)
Running time
101 minutes[1]
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
Box office$260,136[2]

What They Had is a 2018 American drama film written and directed by Elizabeth Chomko in her feature directorial debut. Starring Hilary Swank, Michael Shannon, Robert Forster, Blythe Danner, Taissa Farmiga, and Josh Lucas, the film follows two siblings in conflict with their father over whether or not to put their mother, who suffers from Alzheimer's disease, in a nursing home.

The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival on January 21, 2018, and was theatrically released in the United States on October 19, 2018, by Bleecker Street.[3]

Plot

[edit]

When Alzheimer's-stricken Ruth Everhardt wanders into the streets during a blizzard on Christmas Eve, her daughter, Bridget Ertz, travels back to her hometown to help her brother, Nicky, convince their father, Norbert, to put Ruth in a nursing home and face the end of their life together.

Ruth returns home with her family and discussions ensue about her future. Nicky has secured a spot for Ruth in one of the premiere assisted care facilities in Chicago, yet Norbert insists that he alone can provide the best care for her. Nicky looks to Bridget for help, but her time away from her parents makes this a challenge to address.

Bridget is dealing with her own immediate family issues as she's never connected with her husband, Eddie, while her daughter, Emma, suffers from anxiety and has stopped attending college. Nicky continues arguing with Norbert over Ruth's future and leaves afterwards. Bridget discusses her father's interference in her life just as they notice that Ruth has again disappeared. She is quickly found, but Norbert finally realizes that Ruth must leave for the assisted care facility.

Norbert reconciles with Nicky by visiting his tavern. Shortly thereafter, Norbert dies from a heart attack, leaving Nicky devastated. Bridget spends time with Ruth at the care facility and sees how well the staff are treating her. She leaves the facility with a restful smile on her face.

Cast

[edit]

Production

[edit]

Development

[edit]

In 2014, Elizabeth Chomko was selected for the Sundance Institute's Screenwriters Lab with a script for the drama film What They Had.[4] In September 2015, Chomko's script was announced as a winner for the Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting.[5] In June 2016, Chomko revealed she would also direct the film from her screenplay. Albert Berger and Ron Yerxa were later reported to produce for Bona Fide Productions, along with Bill Holderman, and Andrew Duncan and Alex Saks producing for June Pictures, and Keith Kjarval producing for Unified Pictures.[6]

Casting

[edit]

On March 17, 2017, it was reported that Hilary Swank, Michael Shannon, Robert Forster, Blythe Danner, and Taissa Farmiga had been cast in the film.[7] Sarah Sutherland's casting was confirmed in August 2017.[8]

Filming

[edit]

Principal photography began on March 22, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois.[7] On March 28, members of the Amboy American Legion performed a graveside service for a scene in the film on location in Westchester, Illinois.[9] Conboy Westchester Funeral Home also hosted the cast and crew for filming on March 28.[10] Production was set up in Hyde Park, Chicago for more than two weeks, concluding on April 17.[11] Filming wrapped in Los Angeles on May 2, 2017.

Music

[edit]

In December 2017, it was reported that Danny Mulhern would compose the film's score.[12]

The end credit song "Are You There" is written by Aoife O'Donovan, the film's writer and director Elizabeth Chomko and her mother Kate Chomko.[13]

Release

[edit]

In May 2017, Bleecker Street acquired domestic distribution rights to the film.[14] It had its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival on January 21, 2018.[15][16] What They Had was initially scheduled for release on March 16, 2018,[17] but was pushed back to October 19, 2018.[18]

Reception

[edit]

On review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, the film has an approval rating of 87% based on 119 reviews, with an average of 7.1/10. The website's critical consensus reads, "What They Had finds laughter and tears in its portrait of a family at a crossroads, with writer-director Elizabeth Chomko getting outstanding performances out of a talented cast."[19] Metacritic assigned the film a weighted average score of 69 out of 100, based on 25 critics, indicating "generally favorable reviews".[20]

Accolades

[edit]
Award Date of ceremony Category Recipient(s) Result Ref.
AARP Movies for Grownups Awards 2019 Best Supporting Actor Robert Forster Nominated [21][22]
Best Supporting Actress Blythe Danner Nominated
Best Grownup Love Story Won
Alliance of Women Film Journalists Awards 2019 Alliance of Women Film Journalists Elizabeth Chomko Nominated [23]
Heartland International Film Festival 2018 Truly Moving Picture Award Elizabeth Chomko and Bleecker Street Media Won [24]
Audience Choice Award Elizabeth Chomko Won [25]
Philadelphia Film Festival 2018 Best First Feature Nominated [26]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
What They Had is a American drama film written and directed by Elizabeth Chomko in her feature directorial debut. Starring , , , , , and , the film follows two siblings in conflict with their father over whether to place their mother, who suffers from , in a . The film premiered at the on January 21, , and was released in the United States on October 19, , by .

Film Overview

Plot

Bridget, a resident, receives an urgent call from her brother Nick during a blizzard, informing her that their mother, Ruth, who suffers from advanced , has wandered away from home in her nightgown. Accompanied by her young adult daughter Emma, who is struggling with depression and academic failure, Bridget rushes back to her childhood home to assist in the search. The family locates Ruth on a train, disoriented and hypothermic, leading to her hospitalization where her deteriorating condition becomes starkly evident. As the family gathers for the holidays, tensions escalate between the siblings and their father, Bert, a stubborn and devout Catholic who remains in deep denial about Ruth's illness and insists on caring for her at home despite her increasing confusion—such as forgetting Nick's identity or making bizarre claims like being pregnant. Nick, who has shouldered the daily burdens of caregiving while managing his struggling bar, urges placing Ruth in a memory care facility, but clashes with Bridget over her possession of power of attorney and her initial hesitation to override Bert. Bridget grapples with her own guilt stemming from a troubled family history, including her unhappy marriage modeled after her parents' volatile relationship, which Bert had influenced. Key interactions highlight the emotional strains: Emma bonds tentatively with her grandparents, offering moments of levity amid the crisis, while Nick's resentment toward Bert surfaces in confrontations about past neglect and current inaction. Bert's reveals his own losses, including the early deaths of his parents, fueling his fierce attachment to Ruth and resistance to change. The family navigates hospital visits, heated arguments, and Ruth's unpredictable behaviors, such as flirtatiously hitting on Nick, which shocks Bert into momentary silence. Ultimately, after Bert suffers a heart attack and the siblings reveal Ruth's advance directive prioritizing her , the family reluctantly agrees to place her in a . Bert passes away shortly thereafter, leaving , , and Emma to reflect on their bonds forged through loss, culminating in a bittersweet that underscores enduring despite the pain of Alzheimer's.

Cast

The principal cast of What They Had features as Bridget Ertz, the estranged daughter who returns to her family home amid a , balancing her own personal struggles with familial obligations. portrays Nick Ertz, Bridget's devoted but overwhelmed brother who initiates her return and shoulders much of the caregiving burden. plays Bert Ertz, the stubborn and loving father deeply committed to caring for his wife despite the mounting challenges. stars as Ruth Ertz, the ailing matriarch at the center of the family's emotional turmoil, exhibiting vulnerability and confusion due to her condition. Taissa Farmiga appears as Emma Ertz, Bridget's young adult daughter, who accompanies her mother and grapples with the generational impacts of family dynamics. is cast as Eddie, Bridget's husband, providing a grounded perspective on the unfolding family situation. In supporting roles, plays Dr. Zoe, a compassionate healthcare professional offering guidance during the crisis. portrays Mary.

Production

Development

The screenplay for What They Had was written by Elizabeth Chomko, drawing from her personal family experiences with her grandmother's battle against , which was diagnosed when Chomko was in her early twenties. Chomko completed an early version of the script prior to its selection for the 2014 Sundance Screenwriters Lab, where she refined the material through intensive workshops focused on character development and narrative structure. The project's momentum accelerated in 2015 when the script won one of the Academy Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting, an annual competition that awards up-and-coming writers with $35,000 and industry mentorship to support further development. This recognition, established by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to nurture new talent, provided Chomko with crucial validation and resources, including connections to producers and Ron Yerxa of Bona Fide Productions, who became early attachments to the film. As Chomko's directorial debut, What They Had marked her transition from playwright and actor to feature filmmaker, with pre-production formally underway by mid-2015 following the fellowship award. The script's evolution during this period emphasized authentic family dynamics amid , setting the foundation for the film's intimate tone without venturing into production execution.

Casting

The casting process for What They Had began following the script's completion in 2015, after writer-director Elizabeth Chomko won the Academy Nicholl Fellowship in Screenwriting. attached herself early to the project as the lead actress playing Bridget and as an , leveraging her involvement to help assemble the ensemble. Swank's dual role significantly influenced casting choices, as her commitment attracted other high-profile talent and allowed her to contribute to character development, such as incorporating elements from her own family experiences. Initial casting announcements were made on March 17, 2017, revealing Swank alongside as her on-screen brother Nick, as the father Burt, as the mother Ruth, and as Bridget's daughter Emma. Key decisions emphasized creating a believable dynamic, with Forster selected as the first choice for Burt due to his resemblance to Chomko's grandfather and embodiment of Midwestern resilience, while Danner was deemed a perfect fit for Ruth to capture the character's pre-Alzheimer's wholeness inspired by Chomko's grandmother. The process involved securing these veteran actors for the pivotal parental roles, ensuring their schedules aligned with the low-budget, 22-day production timeline in . Subsequent additions included as Eddie, Bridget's husband, rounding out the family unit and providing contrast to the central . Overall, the prioritized actors who could bring authenticity to the themes of familial duty and loss, with Swank's producer input fostering a collaborative environment that expedited the ensemble's formation ahead of starting later that month.

Filming

Principal photography for What They Had commenced on March 22, 2017, in , , where the cast, including and , was spotted dining in the River North neighborhood shortly after arrival. The production spanned several weeks, utilizing practical locations throughout the Chicago area to evoke the film's Midwestern setting, including residential homes for family scenes and hospitals for key dramatic sequences. Filming continued into April 2017, with the shoot facing logistical challenges due to unseasonably mild weather that lacked the rain and snow needed for the story's winter blizzard elements, requiring creative simulations to match the narrative's atmosphere. The final 10 days shifted to for additional scenes, including greenscreen driving sequences completed in a single day on a soundstage. Cinematographer Roberto Schaefer, ASC, AIC, led the visual team, employing Arri Alexa Mini cameras with Vantage Hawk anamorphic lenses to capture the intimate, widescreen framing of the practical sets, while gaffer Dave Williamson handled lighting setups with tungsten units and HMIs to accommodate the varied interior and exterior shoots.

Music

Score

The original score for What They Had was composed by Danny Mulhern, a London-based composer known for his work in film and television, including long-running series like Silent Witness. Reported in December 2017, Mulhern's involvement brought a tailored musical approach to the film's exploration of familial bonds and dementia. Mulhern's score employs a signature blend of acoustic and electronic instrumentation, featuring delicate strings, motifs, and subtle plucks to create an intimate, contemplative atmosphere that mirrors the emotional undercurrents of tension and personal loss. Recorded and mixed by Nick Taylor, the composition process emphasized minimalist arrangements with recurring themes to evoke the fragility of and gradual decline central to the story's Alzheimer's portrayal. Notable elements include poignant acoustic-driven cues, such as the recurring and lines in tracks like "The Frailty of Memory (What They Had Theme)" and "Ruth’s Theme," which underscore key moments of introspection and relational strain without overpowering the dialogue-heavy drama. The full , comprising 23 tracks, was released digitally on October 19, 2018, by Records, highlighting Mulhern's multi-instrumentalist background in fostering an immersive, emotionally resonant soundscape.

Songs

The primary song featured in What They Had is the end-credits track "Are You There," performed by folk singer . The song was co-written by director Elizabeth Chomko, her mother Kate Chomko, and O'Donovan, drawing from Chomko's personal family experiences with to infuse authenticity into the film's emotional closure. Its lyrics evoke themes of longing and presence, complementing the narrative's exploration of familial bonds and loss without overshadowing the instrumental score. Several other vocal tracks appear as background or diegetic elements during interactions, enhancing the midwestern domestic atmosphere. These include "What Can I Do," written and performed by Big Daddy Simpson with additional writing by Higgins, which underscores moments of . "Tired of Falling In (And Out of Love)," written by James Jones and performed by , provides soulful texture to relational tensions in household scenes. Additionally, "Find Me Somebody," written by and performed by Psychedelic Soul Crew, adds a rhythmic layer to everyday dynamics. All tracks were licensed to evoke the era's and folk influences, aligning with the film's intimate portrayal of caregiving and .

Release

Premiere

What They Had had its world premiere on January 21, 2018, at the in , where it was selected for the U.S. Dramatic Competition section. The screening at the Eccles Center Theatre marked the debut of writer-director Elizabeth Chomko's , drawing attention from industry attendees and positioning the drama for the awards season circuit. Prior to its Sundance debut, acquired North American distribution rights to the film in May 2017, facilitating its festival exposure and subsequent rollout. The premiere generated early interest among distributors and audiences, highlighting the film's themes of family and through its including and . Following Sundance, What They Had continued its festival run with screenings at the Heartland International Film Festival in in October 2018, presented as a spotlight screening on October 14. It also appeared in the lineup of the Philadelphia Film Festival later that month, further building momentum during the fall awards season. These appearances underscored the film's resonance in independent cinema circles ahead of its wider release.

Distribution

What They Had was initially scheduled for a in the United States on March 16, 2018, but was delayed until October 19, 2018. The film opened in select theaters across the country, distributed by , which had acquired North American rights in May 2017 following positive buzz from its Sundance premiere. The distributor emphasized a targeted campaign, including trailers that highlighted the film's portrayal of and family dynamics, alongside promotional partnerships with organizations like to raise awareness about . For home media, the film was released on DVD and Blu-ray on , 2019. As of November 2025, it is available for free streaming with ads on , , and Plex; for subscription streaming on ; and for rent or purchase on Amazon Video, Apple TV, and at Home. It has also appeared on Max in the past. Internationally, the film received limited distribution, with releases in Canada on October 26, 2018, the United Kingdom on March 1, 2019, Brazil on May 2, 2019, Argentina on June 27, 2019, and Israel on November 29, 2018.

Box Office

What They Had received a limited theatrical release in the United States on October 19, 2018, through Bleecker Street Media. The film debuted on four screens, generating $17,683 during its opening weekend, which represented about 6.8% of its eventual domestic total. It later expanded to a maximum of 53 theaters, contributing to a cumulative domestic gross of $260,136 by the end of its run in November 2018. Internationally, the film earned $273,443 across select markets, resulting in a worldwide box office total of $533,579. As a low-budget independent production, What They Had achieved modest financial returns relative to its scale, with its performance reflecting the challenges and opportunities of limited distribution for indie dramas. The film's visibility was enhanced by strong festival reception, including its world premiere at the and subsequent screenings at events like the , generating early awards buzz that influenced attendance in key urban markets. This buzz, particularly around performances by and , helped sustain interest despite the constrained release strategy.

Reception

Critical Response

What They Had received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised its strong performances and sensitive handling of family dynamics amid . On , the film has an approval rating of 87% based on 119 reviews, with an average rating of 7.1/10. On , it scores 69 out of 100 based on 25 critics, reflecting generally favorable reception, with 72% positive, 24% mixed, and 4% negative reviews. Critics widely acclaimed the acting ensemble, particularly as the conflicted daughter Bridget, as her troubled brother Nicky, as the stubborn patriarch Bert, and as the ailing mother Ruth. Swank was noted for conveying inner turmoil with nuance, while Shannon brought vulnerability to his role, and Danner captured the lyricism of dementia's progression. Monica Castillo of gave the film 3.5 out of 4 stars, highlighting the emotional authenticity derived from director Elizabeth Chomko's personal experiences with her grandparents' illness. The film's portrayal of Alzheimer's was commended for its and realism, avoiding exploitation by focusing on familial and coping mechanisms like humor amid heartbreak. Reviewers appreciated how it depicted the disease's stages without , emphasizing resilience and everyday frustrations. However, some critiques pointed to predictability in the family drama's structure and occasional dips into or heavy-handed clichés, particularly in the resolution of conflicts.

Audience Reception

The film received a generally positive response from audiences, earning an average rating of 6.7 out of 10 on based on 4,981 user votes (as of November 2025). On , it holds an audience score of 82% from over 500 verified ratings (as of November 2025), slightly lower than the 87% critics' approval rating, indicating broad but not unanimous viewer appreciation. Viewers frequently praised the movie's emotional depth and realistic depiction of dynamics amid , with many highlighting its poignant exploration of Alzheimer's impact as both heartbreaking and relatable, especially for those with personal experiences of caregiving. Common commendations included the strong ensemble performances, particularly Blythe Danner's portrayal of the affected mother, and moments of humor that balanced the heavier themes, making it a touching yet not overly sentimental watch. Some audiences from Midwestern backgrounds noted its authenticity in capturing regional life and the subtle tensions of intergenerational care. Criticisms from viewers often centered on the film's occasionally melodramatic tone and emotional intensity, which some found draining without sufficient levity to offset the dementia storyline's bleakness. A subset of responses described it as predictable or lacking innovative insights into the disease, though these were outnumbered by affirmations of its heartfelt resonance. Post-release, the film sparked numerous viewer testimonials emphasizing personal connections to its Alzheimer's themes, with many sharing stories of how it mirrored their own struggles with loss and end-of-life decisions. discussions and forum posts highlighted its role in fostering and conversations about , often crediting the narrative's focus on and loss as a catalyst for reflection among affected .

Accolades

At the 27th Heartland International Film Festival in 2018, What They Had received the , recognizing its emotional impact and inspirational storytelling. The film also won the in the Special Presentation category at the same event. The film earned a for Best First Feature () at the 2018 Philadelphia Film Festival. In 2019, What They Had was nominated for the in the Drama Feature Film category for writer-director Elizabeth Chomko. At the 18th , the film won Best Grownup Love Story, with and accepting on behalf of the production. received a nomination for Best Supporting Actor, while was nominated for Best Supporting Actress.

Legacy

Themes and Analysis

The film What They Had explores the profound strain Alzheimer's disease places on familial relationships, particularly through the lens of adult children navigating their parents' declining health. Central to its narrative is the tension between enduring family bonds and the fractures caused by the disease's progression, as siblings Bridget and Nicky grapple with their mother Ruth's memory loss while confronting their father Burt's unwavering commitment to caring for her at home. This dynamic underscores how Alzheimer's disrupts traditional roles, forcing children to become caregivers and exposing long-buried resentments within the family unit. A key theme is the conflict between and in the caregiving process, vividly embodied in Burt's refusal to acknowledge the severity of Ruth's condition. Despite incidents like Ruth wandering into a in her , Burt insists on maintaining their status quo, viewing institutional care as a of their marital vows and driven by a sense of and devotion. In contrast, Nicky advocates for practical acceptance by pushing for a care facility, highlighting the generational divide in approaching the illness—where older caregivers cling to independence and younger ones prioritize safety and intervention. This push-pull reflects broader emotional struggles in care, where serves as a shield against grief but ultimately exacerbates family discord. The film also delves into intergenerational trauma and the potential for reconciliation amid crisis. Unspoken issues from the siblings' upbringing surface as they reunite, with Bridget's guilt over her distance from the family clashing against Nicky's local frustrations, all while mediating Burt's rigid authority. Director Elizabeth Chomko, drawing from her own family's experiences with her grandmother's Alzheimer's, uses these elements to illustrate how the disease acts as a catalyst for confronting inherited patterns of emotional restraint and unresolved conflicts, ultimately fostering tentative healing through shared vulnerability. Chomko has noted that the story was written to process her family's grief, emphasizing how humor persisted as a coping mechanism even after the diagnosis, allowing for moments of reconnection. Symbolically, the serves as a potent for the emotional isolation and disorientation wrought by Alzheimer's, mirroring Ruth's internal chaos as she ventures into the storm, lost and vulnerable, which forces the to confront the perils of her unchecked independence. Memory loss motifs recur through fragmented dialogue and visuals, such as Ruth's confusion over everyday objects or repeated stories, reinforcing the theme of fading connections without resorting to ; these elements ground the 's exploration of how the disease erodes not just but the intangible ties that define . Chomko's semi-autobiographical directorial approach lends authenticity to the portrayal of , prioritizing subtle, organic interactions over exaggerated to capture the awkward, improvised of caregiving. By trusting her actors to improvise within the script's framework, she achieves a balanced depiction that blends heartbreak with levity, akin to other intimate illness narratives like , which similarly examines spousal devotion amid cognitive decline. This style contributes to the film's role in illuminating the human cost of Alzheimer's, offering a nuanced contribution to cinematic representations of neurodegenerative illness by focusing on caregivers' perspectives across generations.

Cultural Impact

What They Had has contributed to greater awareness of through its nuanced portrayal of familial caregiving and emotional strain, drawing directly from writer-director Elizabeth Chomko's experiences with her grandmother's diagnosis over 16 years prior to the film's release. In interviews, Chomko emphasized the film's intent to capture the multifaceted realities of beyond mere tragedy, including moments of humor and love, as a means of processing generational grief for her family. The featured a with Chomko highlighting how the movie centers on a family's crisis to foster empathy and discussion around the disease's broader effects. The film's legacy is tied to its role in independent dramas addressing aging and memory loss, where it exemplifies an intimate, character-driven approach to dementia narratives without sensationalism. It has been frequently cited in compilations of impactful films on the subject, valued for emphasizing caregiver responsibilities and family tensions often overlooked in mainstream depictions. AARP praised its authentic exploration of Alzheimer's realities, noting its timeliness amid rising dementia cases, which helped elevate visibility for such stories in indie cinema. Robert Forster's portrayal of the steadfast husband earned posthumous recognition following his death in October 2019 from brain cancer, just a year after the film's release; he received a for Best Supporting Actor at the 2019 , underscoring the performance's resonance in late-career reflections on aging roles. As of November 2025, the film remains accessible on streaming services including , , and , sustaining its presence in conversations about media without driving widespread cultural shifts, though its personal scale continues to inform intimate portrayals in the genre.

References

Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.