I was anxious when “The Odd Life of Timothy Green” showed up at my doorstep. When offered this review my heart was torn in two directions. My parents had seen the movie in theaters and although they raved about how great the film was, they warned about it’s core storyline – infertility and child loss. Could I watch a movie that touched so closely to my heart? The other part of me felt I had an opportunity to share my perspective on a story that too many relate to and too few realize unless they’re living it themselves.
My husband and I sat down together, took deep breathes and pushed play. Within the first five minutes we were both openly crying tears that flow from a place far too real. We related to many aspects of this touching story and likely in ways that maybe even Disney didn’t consider.
A couple faces their doctor and hear words that no couple wants to hear. Their attempts at conceiving a child have all failed and there is nothing more to offer them. I have far too many friends who have sat in that chair. I’ve sat in it myself and responded by begging to be allowed another chance at IUI (intrauterine insemination) only to conceive and then lose triplets at 22 weeks. I’ve lived the feelings of this couple and her sobs have been my own.
Before completely giving up hope on their dreams of a child the couple writes down all of the things they dreamed their child would be, puts them in a box and buries them in the garden. This scene dug into my heart like no other. Prior to the birth of my daughter (now 3.5) my husband and I lost two babies. We had no promises of a baby and lived many nights wondering if we would ever be given a child to raise. We were indeed blessed with our miracle girl and watch her grow, and in some cases, become those dreams. In other ways she is very much her own person and lives her own dreams in ways we could never imagine. However this year we also lost our triplets and literally had to place them, along with our dreams for them, in a box. I couldn’t help but think of that very tangible connection to this couple as they placed their hopes and dreams for a child in a box. No couple should have to live that moment.
We wiped our tears and made it through those excruciating first moments of the movie and from there Disney took us on a journey that we never expected. This story is truly heart warming and whimsical. They are able to turn the hopes and dreams of this couple into a fairytale of sorts. As with any fairytale it has its ups and downs and doesn’t always have the expected happy ending. They manage to relate the heartache of people suffering from both infertility and child loss to others in a way that was unique. I hope that others watching can feel some of the hope, joy and pain that many of us have sadly had to live in their real lives.
If you’ve suffered through infertility or lived through the unending heartache of child loss be cautious watching this movie. Prepare your heart for some hard moments but also be prepared for an uplifting message of hope as well and be open to the joy that is also a big part of this story. May I also take this opportunity to say that if that is indeed you – you’re not alone. I’m so sorry for your struggles, for the times that nobody understood, for the friends and family who can have a child without trials, and for your loss whether it is of a child you carried, a child you held, or the child you always dreamed of.
“The Odd Life of Timothy Green,” one of the year’s most uplifting and enchanting family films, sprung up on Blu-ray™ Combo Pack, DVD, High Definition Digital and On-Demand platforms on December 4, 2012. It’s the perfect, must-own family-film for audiences of all ages to enjoy and snuggle up to this coming holiday season.
Synopsis
From Academy Award-nominated writer/director Peter Hedges (“Dan in Real Life”, “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape”), and starring Golden Globe® winner Jennifer Garner, Joel Edgerton, Oscar® winner Dianne Wiest and CJ Adams as Timothy Green, comes this highly imaginative story about a happily married couple who can’t wait to start a family but can only dream about what their child would be like. Then one stormy night young Timothy shows up on their doorstep. Soon they and the small town in which they live learn that sometimes the unexpected can bring some of life’s greatest gifts. The story is written by Ahmet Zappa (“American Gangster,” “Changeling”). Bonus features, include a documentary “Family Roots: Bringing ‘The Odd Life of Timothy Green’ to the Screen,” which looks at this unique family story and the creative team that brought it to life; “Glen Hansard: Behind ‘This Gift” – the Academy Award® winning songwriter tells how he and Marketa Irglova crafted the moving end-credits song; “This Gift” Music Video by Glen Hansard and much more!!!
BUY IT:
This title has a list price of $39.99. Order a copy of your own directly through Disney’s web site where they link you to several sites offering it for varying discounted rates. You can also find it at retailers nationwide, including our affiliate Amazon for a discount and free shipping!
Disclosure: I received a copy of the film for the purpose of this review however all thoughts remain 100% my own.
Dorothy says
Dorothy of Oz is sure to be an instant classic for the whole family. The film is due out next year but the buzz being created is undeniable. Between the vastly talented cast and the original music, how could you not be excited! Glee’s Lea Michele is in the title role as Dorothy Gale and she will bring such a fresh sound to the legendary character. Let us not forget Martin Short, Bernadette Peters, Kelsey Grammer, Dan Aykroyd, and many more bringing life to both new and older familiar characters!! Dorothy of Oz has all the components to be the new family favorite!
Jenna says
Very well said! I am amazed at how many couples I know face infertility and miscarriage. For some reason neither are talked about- as if they’re ashamed…as if it was their fault. Although I have not had a miscarriage, my husband and I did struggle with fertility. It was heart-wrenching. I experienced emotions with infertility that I didn’t want to- had no control over. Anger, frustration, deep sadness, anxiety, aloneness, jealously. Jealousy was the hardest for me. I wanted to be excited for my friends who were having babies or expecting…it really seemed to me that EVERYONE was expecting. Everyone except my husband and I. Infertility is different for every person. It can unite a couple, distance them, or tear them apart. I’ve seen all three happen. Thank you for writing this post. Although I haven’t seen the movie in review, I plan to now!
vickie couturier says
So sorry for your losses,seems some ppl suffer so much more than others ,adoption thru foster care worked for us,but we were not in no where near the same situation as you or the couple in the movies
Jenny Sims says
Thanks for the review. I was honestly just thinking about pulling this one up on pay-per-view tonight, but maybe I’m not in the right head space for it. Sounds like a great film, but just not for a Friday night on the couch with pizza!
Julie Wood says
After reading your discussion on this movie, I have to see it! I am so glad that Disney made such a great movie, and even though I know it will be a tear jerker for me, I still want to see. I pray for all the mother’s who have gone or are going through infertility! Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts on this movie and your thoughts on your own infertility! Congrats to you and your precious daughter!
Terri says
I want to see this movie!!! Especially after your review!
Janelle says
Thank you all for sharing your stories. I realize it’s not always easy to label yourself as “infertile” or as an angel family but hopefully you can find peace in knowing you’re not alone. I was surprised at the depth at which this movie captured some of the raw feelings and joy/pain associated with the difficult journey of infertility and/or child loss. Hugs to you all!
Alissa Apel says
I have a few friends that have had trouble getting pregnant. It gets even harder when people ask if they are going to have another.
Janet W. says
I would really like to see this movie! Jennifer Garner is one of my favorites and this has a great story!
Devon F says
What a touching story! After hearing your review & how it relates to you makes me want to see it even more now!
Christy McMahon says
I want to see this movie soooo bad! Now I’m even more excited!
Denise says
refreshing to have a movie that touches the lives of so many women, couples, and families. Loved this movie even though it was incredibly sad in some parts!