FILM REVIEW-THEN SHE FOUND ME ( Originally appeared in Vaughan Perspectives Newspaper)

Review of Then She Found Me


By Neilia Sherman


Helen Hunt’s directorial debut Then She Found Me is a moving and humourous film about a New York school teacher named April whose life is hitting a couple of crossroads at once. The saying “you close one door and another opens” comes to mind as within the first hour of the film she has lost the mother who adopted her and been found by her birth mother and been dumped by her new husband, yet immediately becomes involved with the father of one of her pupils.

Hunt also stars as the title character and her world weary demeanor and gaunt appearance are in perfect contrast to the hilarious and often over the top Bette Midler, who plays her biological mother. The new man in her life is Frank as played by Colin Firth and never have I seen “Mr. Serious and Romantic” play such as neurotic character. He is intense, quirky and has lots of mood swings all done with great doses of witty repartee. When he says his wife left him because he was too much for her you can see why but on the other hand his devotion and love of children are exactly what April needs

The film begins with a Jewish wedding between April and husband Ben played by Mathew Broderick. She utters a Jewish blessing and a klezmer band plays in celebration. Throughout the film the character’s Jewishness gives the movie a subtle yet important context. In real life Hunt has a Jewish father who is also a director so it isn’t surprising that she imbues the characters with a real connectedness to Jewish tradition.

The weakest part of the story is the relationship between April and her Peter Pan Syndrome plagued husband. There doesn’t seem to be any believable chemistry between the two of them whereas the sparks fly with Colin Firth’s character, Frank. Broderick didn’t seem to be giving the role his all; though to be fair the character was not well developed.

Then She Found Me Is all about relationships and how they bring great joy and intense hurt often at the same time. Frank and April learn that they have to accept the possibility of pain in order to find happiness; this is something that all parents know. Also in order to forge a relationship with her mother she must forgive past betrayals. This becomes easier as April learns from her own mistakes.


It took Helen Hunt ten years to get this film made. Her passion and drive are obvious in every frame. Then She Found Me is a wonderful directorial debut. Hunt’s determination and dedication to this project have certainly paid off.

Highly recommended: 4 out of 5 stars

Then She Found Me is scheduled to open the week of April 25th.