Where The Heart Is film review

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WHERE THE HEART IS

An all-star cast and subtle direction elevates Matt Williams's quirky character study from a schmaltzy melodrama to a powerhouse chick flick.

Pregnant 17-year-old Novalee Nation (Portman) is abandoned by her no-good boyfriend Willy (Dylan Bruno) at a Wal-Mart in Oklahoma, with only five dollars 55 cents to her name. A resourceful and determined young lady, Novalee makes the supermarket her temporary home. During the day, she befriends Sister Husband (Channing) and librarian Forney (Frain).

But her life completely changes, when during a storm, she goes into labour, relying on Forney and a gentle nurse called Lexie (Judd) to deliver the baby.

Where The Heart Is remains loosely faithful to Billie Letts's novel, changing minor details here and there.

The narrative is linear, moving inevitably towards happiness and love for Novalee, and the pace gentle throughout - apart from the tornado sequence which hoovers up half the budget in one special effects frenzy.

Portman is luminous as the plucky heroine searching for love and happiness, providing a forceful and spirited focus for a supporting cast of colourful and well sketched characters.

Judd underplays her role as doormat Lexie and Frain exudes a charming sweetness as the man who could be the answer to all of Novalee's prayers.