Film Review: Jackie
by Marinell Haegelin

CRITIQUE:
Twins Daan and Sofie (played by real-life sisters, respectively Jelka and Carice van Houten) are nothing alike, but disrupt their busy lives in Amsterdam, the Netherlands to come to their obscure birth mother’s aide in New Mexico, USA. All their contemporary urbane savvy leaves them helpless when beset by Jackie’s (Holly Hunter) crusty perseverance, and her extensive life experiences. Forcing the twins into a trek into foreign territory in her ancient hippy-campervan unhinges their urbane facades, yet it is Jackie’s guidance and intuition that help them clarify their personalities. Through her persistent, feisty cum gentle prodding they drop their inhibitions, show some gumption and take chances. Paradoxically, Jackie’s acerbic nature undergoes a makeover being with Daan and Sofie. Their difficult journey begets rediscovering how to laugh and love, and appreciate the women they are. The twins stay the course following an untimely intervention, and as fate will have it, inadvertently ascertain Jackie’s quintessential gift to them.

Antoinette Beumer confidently directs; Marnie Blok and Karin van Holst Pellekaan’s intriguing screenplay integrates excitement and turmoil, humor, poignancy, and surprises. Marc Bechtold’s astute editing clearly divulges the myriad—past and present—personal stories, boosted by Danny Elsen’s encompassing cinematography, and atmospheric music from Melcher Meirmans, Merlijn Snitker, and Chrisnanne Wiegel. A unique story that crosses continents, Jackie offers an unlimited insight into individualism, personal veracity, alternate lifestyles, and the glory in that.