Many films chronicle the devastation that comes with dealing with memory loss and diseases like Alzheimer's and dementia. From The Notebook to The Vow, films like these have given people an inside glimpse of what it might mean to deal with these types of diagnoses. These movies have been careful to showcase the perspective of the person who has the disease and their loved ones' point of view. However, no matter how well done these films might be, they are often glossy and a bit romanticized. Based on Pat Moffett's acclaimed book, Ice Cream in the Cupboard director Drew Pollins wanted to offer a different perspective on what it means to deal with these diseases. It is a point of view that is a bit harsher and more volatile than what's usually depicted in films.
Based on Moffett's real-life, Ice Cream in the Cupboard is told in several chapters, one that begins some 27 years ago when Pat (Dana Ashbrook) and Carmen (Claudia Ferri) first cross paths. Their unexpected encounter is one of those moments that jilt your life forever, shifting your world on its axis. Pressing forward nearly three-decades in the future, we reencounter Carmen and Pat, this time in their 50s, happily married with college-aged children.
Time has been good to them, but things haven't been perfect. Pat's past infidelity comes spiraling up to the surface on one unassuming day, causing Carmen to fly into a fit of rage and violently pushing her husband into the pool while threatening to stab him with a knife.
Floored by his wife's outburst, Pat retreats to a hotel, but things continue to remain off-center for Carmen. Her memory is continually shotty, she quickly loses track of time, and her life timeline is entirely off-kilter. Finally, recognizing that something is wrong, Pat and Carmen head to a doctor, where the long-time budget administrator is diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimers.
What happens next isn't pretty or fuzzy, but it's perhaps one of the most authentic portrayals of the disease that's been seen in Hollywood thus far. Highlighting Carmen's lack of impulse control and temper as the illness continues to wear down on her, Pat and his children are increasingly broken but determined to step up.
Sadly, due to Carmen's young age, her diagnosis and the disease's progression is accelerated, pushing Pat to grasp on to their past memories while preparing himself to let go of the woman who has been by his side for nearly 30 years.
Perfectly paced and gripping, Ashbrook and Feri do a wonderful job as a couple trying to hold tight to the short time they have left. Though there are some lighthearted moments in the film off laughter and play, Pollins makes to keep his sense focus on the subject at hand — how much and how quickly Alzheimer's steals from the people it affects.
The gripping film is undoubtedly a challenge to watch at times. However, its authenticity as it reflects on what can be a very emotionally and physically violent disease is unmatched. Moreover, there are no warm and fussy moments in the end, only what was in the past and what's to come in the future.
Ice Cream in the Cupboard is now being distributed by Gravitas Ventures.