All That Heaven Allows

Originally published on social media on October 3rd, 2023

This film is dessert. Not just any dessert — an overpriced chocolate truffle that is not only a work of art on the inside, but delicious too! A gorgeous dessert with bitter and sweet notes. Here’s why:

The cinematography is heavenly and highlights the ideal Autumn and Winter. The costume selections are timeless and would fit perfectly in my imaginary wardrobe. The music is elegant and creates a romantic tone just as classic as the soundtrack to “An Affair to Remember.”

There is depth to the beauty of this film. Both Rock Hudson and Jane Wyman expanded their emotional ranges in significant ways, making each of them irresistible but also very human. Their chemistry all things considered was incredible.

The plot is a tale as old as time: a man and woman fall in love, but the status quo threatens to ruin the relationship. Why is it in both fiction and reality people get so caught up in people’s opinions of them (or their relationship)? In other words, why do people let others dictate their happiness or determine how they should live their lives? In fact, I would like to propose a more fitting title for this film —“All that We Will Allow.” Which “we” am I referring to here: the couple or the community? Watch and find out.

Overall, I was really surprised by how advanced this film felt for its era and I was truly blown away by how gripping it was. I love old films, and typically love them no matter how captivating they are, but this film belongs to a rare canon dedicated to truly magnificent films