The Stone Angel (2008) Movie Review

Based on the Canadian novel by Margaret Laurence, The Stone Angel is a jumbled melodrama that garners a strong cast, but is still material that only appeals to elders and would work better on cable television.

The story follows a grumpy, fragile old Hagar (Ellen Burstyn), who is refusing her oldest son, Marvin’s (Dylan Baker) request to put her in a nursing home. Hagar currently resides with Marvin and his temperamental wife (Shelia McCarthy), and he feels it is just time for her to spend the last of her days elsewhere. In much dismay, Hagar sneaks out of the home and goes of a life-reflecting journey back to her small hometown. Through the flashbacks, we met the younger Hagar (Christine Horne), who goes against her protective father’s wishes and marries the local farmer Bram (Cole Hauser). Through the couple’s struggles over the years, the two have Marvin and his brother John (Kevin Zegers) as Bram turns to alcoholism. Tragedy, denial, and redemption ensue as Hagar continues to remember her past and Marvin desperately searches for her.

The Stone Angel was adapted for the screen and directed by Kari Skogland and though the film has some patient intimate scenes, the twists and turns are predictable and soap-operaish. It really gets silly when Hagar shares a joint at her old farmhouse with a complete stranger. The flashback sequencing by Skolgland really is not that bad, as both actresses playing Hagar look alike and the styles of the time help in its diversification. The character of Hagar herself is almost so crude and mean that you will not be able to identify with her, but once her secrets and past life experiences are unveiled, it is understandable as to why she is so angry. There is a little bit of welcomed humor throughout the film as well, but for the most part it plays its role as a sad melodrama.

Ellen Burstyn is a wonderful as the elder Hagar, in which she does bring the film up when it begins to drag. In her acting debut, Christine Horne is also terrific as the younger Hagar, especially with her emotional scenes. Cole Hauser fills the shoes of her farmer husband Bram well, as does Dylan Baker as her frustrated son Marvin. Ellen Page has a tiny, but pivotal role in the film as Hagar’s son John’s love interest Arlene.

The Stone Angel is a weepy film that seems like a faithful adaptation of the novel by Margaret Laurence. The over the top drama will suit its intended audience, even though it does get out of hand and becomes even humorous at times. Despite a warm tone from the film and a very talented cast, this is still material that usually plays on the Lifetime or Oxygen channel.