Cast
View AllIdina Menzel
as CC Bloom
Nia Long
as Hillary Whitney
Colin Lawrence
as Bryan
Antonio Cupo
as John
Kate Isaac
as Assistant District Attorney
Sanai Victoria
as Tory Whitney
Rebecca Husain
as Pretty Sinners Director
Barbara Beall
as Costume Designer
Graeme Duffy
as Sorcerer Composer
Jane Hancock
as Ashley
Gabriella Pizzolo
as Young CC
Cardi Wong
as CC's Assistant
Grace Capeless
as Young Hillary
Brandyn Eddy
as Sorcerer Writer
Daniel Letto
as Sorcerer Actor
Crew
Director
- Allison Anders
Producer
- Harvey Kahn
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Beaches examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Allison Anders brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2017, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Beaches took approximately 28 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 90 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 148 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 12 months to complete.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 7 weeks before filming began.
- The musical score contains over 60 unique compositions.
Historical Context
- In 2017, when this film is released:
- Political polarization was intensifying in many countries.
- Streaming services were revolutionizing film and television consumption.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Beaches shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The Hottest State, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Beaches subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like The Jammed and Morvern Callar explore similar territory, Beaches stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: January 21, 2017
- Runtime: 1h 30m
Where to Watch



