Hanging Up

Set against the vibrant backdrop of New York City, this film explores the intricate lives of the three Mozell sisters as they navigate their self-absorbed existences and the frequent interruptions of their phone conversations. The eldest sister, Georgia, at the age of 50, is a thriving single woman who oversees a successful women’s magazine. Meanwhile, the youngest sibling, Maddy, aged 34, is a somewhat clueless individual who has just landed a breakthrough role as a soap opera actress. In contrast, the middle sister, Eve, who is 39, lives in Los Angeles with her husband, Joe Marks (played by Adam Arkin), and their teenage son, Jesse. She often finds herself consumed with concern over her cantankerous 79-year-old father, Lou Mozell (Walter Matthau), who seems to be on the brink of death.

As the narrative unfolds, the sisters frequently engage in phone calls, often hanging up without the courtesy of a proper goodbye, in addition to the calls from Lou to Eve. When Lou experiences memory issues, Eve takes the crucial step of admitting him to the hospital for tests. During this time, Lou reflects on his past days spent crafting a screenplay with his wife for a John Wayne film. Their mother left them in the 1980s when she felt she was no longer in love and believed she had failed as a parent.

In a touching moment, Eve tries to care for Lou, who becomes increasingly senile and even mistakes her for an old flame named Cleo. Flashing back to 1988, Eve recalls the Christmas when she and her sisters visited Lou and stumbled upon him in bed with their dental hygienist. This visit prompts her to confront their mother, Pat, urging her to return to Lou, but she resolutely stands firm in her decision to leave him behind. In a bid to lift his spirits, Eve takes Lou out to fetch a Christmas tree.

In the present day, Maddy shows up with an enormous St. Bernard, causing a series of comedic moments. Meanwhile, Lou escapes from the hospital and wanders back to their house, prompting Eve to search for him. Recalling another flashback to 1993, Eve remembers throwing a grand Halloween gathering for Jesse, which goes awry when Lou arrives inebriated and disrupts the festivities.

As Eve manages her responsibilities, including planning for Georgia’s speech to a women’s group, she is informed that Lou has suffered a mini-stroke. Georgia, who tries to help by suggesting Lou sign a blank check, faces his refusal. In a desperate attempt to make peace with her father and to cope with her estrangement from her mother, Eve lies to Lou about his wife’s supposed death, to which he quietly responds, “I won.”

In a symbolic act of cutting ties, Eve collects all cell phones in her home and stores them away. At the women’s event, Georgia makes a grand entrance only to deliver a rather insincere eulogy about Lou that leaves her sisters shocked. A clash of emotions erupts between the siblings, especially as they all learn of Lou slipping into a coma.

As they sit vigil by Lou’s bedside, Eve struggles to remember the name of a sad blonde actress from the 1950s. Miraculously, Lou awakens long enough to respond with “June Allyson.” Their joy is short-lived as, moments later, Lou passes away, leaving the sisters in profound grief.

Months later, during a Thanksgiving gathering, the sisters engage in a light-hearted food fight while preparing the turkey, sharing cherished memories of their father dancing with them and their mother. The film poignantly captures their journey through love, loss, and the eternal bonds of family.

Last Updated: October 27, 2024 at 21:30