CAKE (R)
Released by Cinelou Films
Reviewed by Adam Mast
For those of you who think Jennifer Aniston never evolved beyond her FRIENDS Rachel persona, you clearly never saw THE GOOD GIRL. With that particular movie, the famed 90’s t.v. star showed that she had range beyond the sitcom restraints of a popular T.V. comedy series. Aniston has also shown that she’s more than willing to get a little nasty in the name of big screen entertainment (check out her dirty talking nymphomaniac in HORRIBLE BOSSES.) If neither of those films had you convinced that Aniston is a capable actress, then may I suggest that you bare witness to her stellar work in the supremely depressing drama, CAKE.
In CAKE, Aniston plays Claire, a traumatized individual who becomes fixated on the story behind a suicidal woman (played by Anna Kendrick) from her Chronic Pain Support Group. In addition to her morbid curiosity, Claire isn’t an entirely likable person, but there is a reason behind her somewhat volatile behavior. Behavior that only her sweet-natured housekeeper Silvana (played by Adriana Barraza) seems capable of handling.
CAKE is an intimate character-driven drama fueled by a fierce, raw, and powerful Aniston performance. The one time FRIENDS star digs deep to create a cold, complicated, and vulnerable character in Claire. This is a broken down woman with deep-rooted scars, both physical and emotional, and Aniston completely sells Claire’s pain. Barraza brings dignity and warmth to the role of Claire’s only real friend. Rounding out a solid supporting cast is a quietly effective Sam Worthington as a man who Claire ultimately bonds with, Chris Messina as a caring but devastated man from Claire’s past, and William H. Macy as an integral figure who this emotionally torn woman has no interest in facing.
CAKE feels like a deeply personal film. The kind of picture made by folks who have dealt with the kinds of issues that are at the heart of the movie. Again, CAKE is supremely depressing. It deals with suicide, depression, and tragedy in a very unflinching manner, but this movie always feels honest.
This won’t be a film for everyone, but if you’re up for a challenging, emotionally-raw, cinematic experience, this one is definitely worth a look. And if you’re one of those folks who is convinced that Aniston has never moved beyond her Rachel persona, CAKE is likely to change your mind.
