preahvihearhotel.com – Being Rose (2017) is a poignant drama directed by Rod McCall that explores themes of self-discovery, healing, and the journey toward emotional and physical freedom. The film stars Cybill Shepherd as Rose, a widowed woman in her 60s who embarks on an unexpected journey of personal growth after facing immense loss. The film is a reflection on how one can reclaim a sense of purpose and vitality, even after tragedy, and the importance of confronting one’s past in order to heal.
The Story: A Widow’s Path to Healing and Renewal
Rose, the central character of Being Rose, is a strong-willed and independent woman living in a small town. Having lost her beloved husband to a long illness, she has been living in the shadow of grief for many years. However, despite her outward appearance of control, Rose is struggling internally, feeling trapped in the memory of her past and the limitations of her daily life. Her emotional burdens weigh heavily on her, and she has been unable to fully move on from her husband’s death.
The turning point in Rose’s life occurs when she decides to take a trip to Mexico. Seeking to escape the memories of her life and the grief that has defined her existence, Rose hopes to rediscover herself and find some sense of peace. It is during this journey that she meets a colorful and passionate man named Diego (played by Mario Ernesto Sánchez), a local who has his own deep wounds and regrets. Diego offers Rose an opportunity to confront her own pain and begin the process of healing. Through her relationship with him, as well as her personal exploration of her past, Rose begins to learn that there is more to life than the grief she has held onto for so long.
The film’s narrative is centered on Rose’s journey of self-rediscovery. It explores her emotional landscape as she grapples with the complexities of aging, loneliness, and the desire to live fully in the face of personal loss. Through her interactions with Diego and the experiences she has in Mexico, Rose gradually realizes that healing requires letting go of the past and embracing new possibilities for the future.
Themes of Loss, Healing, and Personal Growth
At the heart of Being Rose are universal themes of loss and the long, difficult process of healing. The film doesn’t shy away from the emotional pain of grief, yet it offers a hopeful message about the possibility of renewal even after significant hardship. Rose’s journey is not about forgetting her past but about learning to live with it and find a way forward.
The theme of healing is explored not just in an emotional sense but also through Rose’s physical journey. She suffers from chronic pain as a result of an accident, and the film highlights the ways in which her physical condition has impacted her life. Rose’s healing process involves not only emotional acceptance but also confronting her physical limitations and learning to embrace the possibilities of living in a different way.
Personal growth is another key theme in the film. Rose’s journey is about much more than just moving on from her husband’s death; it is about learning to reconnect with herself and rediscover the passions and desires she once had. Being Rose emphasizes that it is never too late to change, to open oneself up to new relationships, or to take risks in the pursuit of personal fulfillment.
The film portrays the idea that healing is an active process—it requires vulnerability, courage, and the willingness to let go of old patterns and embrace new ones. Rose’s journey encourages viewers to consider their own paths to emotional renewal and to reflect on the ways in which they can live more fully, regardless of the challenges they face.
Cybill Shepherd’s Powerful Performance as Rose
Cybill Shepherd delivers a deeply affecting and nuanced performance as Rose. Known for her roles in Moonlighting and The Last Picture Show, Shepherd brings a wealth of experience and emotional depth to the character. She perfectly captures Rose’s internal conflict, her vulnerability, and her strength. Through Shepherd’s portrayal, viewers see the layers of Rose’s character—the complexity of her grief, her desire for a renewed sense of life, and her eventual growth.
Shepherd’s performance is compelling and human, making Rose’s journey of self-discovery feel both personal and universal. The subtlety with which she navigates Rose’s emotional landscape is a testament to her skill as an actress, and her portrayal of a woman in the later stages of life struggling with loss is both tender and inspiring.
The Film’s Cinematic Approach: A Beautiful and Reflective Journey
Being Rose is visually striking, with the cinematography capturing the beauty of both the New Mexico desert and the colorful streets of Mexico. The film’s direction by Rod McCall brings a sense of intimacy to Rose’s journey, with many scenes focusing on her quiet, reflective moments. The landscape itself becomes a metaphor for Rose’s emotional journey—vast and open, yet filled with the potential for new growth.
The film’s pacing is deliberate, allowing the audience to settle into Rose’s emotional space and giving her story time to unfold naturally. There is a subtlety in the way the film approaches its themes; rather than offering overt solutions or dramatic transformations, it presents Rose’s healing as a slow, ongoing process that doesn’t have a clear endpoint. The tone of the film is one of quiet reflection, but it also leaves room for hope and renewal.
Critical Reception and Audience Response
Upon its release, Being Rose received generally positive reviews for its heartfelt performances and the sensitive handling of its themes. Critics particularly praised Cybill Shepherd’s portrayal of the lead character, noting how she was able to bring both strength and vulnerability to the role. The film was also commended for its exploration of life’s later stages, as it deals with the challenges of aging, grief, and finding new purpose in one’s later years.
Though the film may not have reached a wide mainstream audience, it resonated with those who appreciated its focus on personal growth, healing, and the complexities of loss. Being Rose is the kind of film that speaks to viewers on a deeply emotional level, especially those who have experienced grief or are navigating the challenges of mid-to-later adulthood.
Conclusion: A Tender and Uplifting Exploration of Life After Loss
Being Rose (2017) is a deeply moving and reflective drama about rediscovery, healing, and the courage to live a full life even after experiencing immense loss. The film’s sensitive exploration of grief and personal growth, combined with Cybill Shepherd’s powerful performance, makes it an emotionally resonant experience. Through Rose’s journey, the film reminds us that no matter what we face, there is always the potential for renewal, and it is never too late to embrace life with open arms. Being Rose is a poignant story of self-rediscovery that encourages viewers to live with purpose and to find healing in even the most challenging of circumstances.