Anywhere but Here
Single mother Adele August is bad with money, and even worse when it comes to making decisions. Her straight-laced daughter, Ann, is a successful high school student with Ivy League aspirations. When Adele decides to pack up and move the two of them from the Midwest to Beverly Hills, Calif., to pursue her dreams of Hollywood success, Ann grows frustrated with her mother's irresponsible and impulsive ways.
Critics Sentiment
Adele sells her Mercedes to pay for Ann's college
Benny dies in car accident leaving Ann distraught
The film's biggest emotional shift occurs when Adele moves from selfish heartbreak after Josh dumps her to genuine selflessness in selling her car for Ann's education.
Critics consistently praised the central mother-daughter dynamic and both lead performances, particularly Portman's maturity and the role reversal concept. However, many found the plot underdeveloped and meandering, with strong character work undermined by aimless storytelling. The film builds to an emotionally satisfying conclusion despite its structural weaknesses.
Full cast
Showing 20 of 36
Susan Sarandon
Adele August
Natalie Portman
Ann August
Hart Bochner
Josh Spritzer
Eileen Ryan
Lillian
Ray Baker
Ted
John Diehl
Jimmy
Shawn Hatosy
Benny
Bonnie Bedelia
Carol
Faran Tahir
Hisham Badir
Shishir Kurup
Hisham Badir (voice)
Elisabeth Moss
Rachel
John Carroll Lynch
Jack Irwin
Caroline Aaron
Gail Letterfine
Paul Guilfoyle
George Franklin
Thora Birch
Mary
Mary Ellen Trainor
Homeowner
Ashley Johnson
Sarah
Corbin Allred
Peter
Eva Amurri
Girl on TV
Heather DeLoach
Ellen
Crew
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