The successful lawyer considers his wife perfect. The house is beautiful, the guests flawless, the cocktail party a success. Everything seems to be under control. If it weren’t for the hand shaking uncontrollably… One and a hlaf years later and Kate needs round the clock care, she has ALS. Her husband cares lovingly for her and researches wher condition with efficiency. But Kate doesn’t want to be seen only as a patient. She fires her certified nurse and hires instead Bec, a chaotic inexperienced college student.What was initially normal everyday hustle for the professional married couple soon turns out to be soul-saving. The marriage starts to crumble under the strain of Kate’s condition and her husband starts an affair. Now the caretaker relationship to the young free-spirited student becomes livelier and warmer; the relationship both changes and challenges the two women. YOU’RE NOT YOU gives a realistic depiction of living with an illness and touches on the essentials in relationships. The film’s title refers to a scene in which Bec is supposed to talk for Kate, but, driven by her emotions, ends up giving her own statement until Kate reminds her: Right now you’re not you, you’re me! Yet both women are often not themselves, but instead try to present what others see in them. In a clear manner, without any unnecessary pitstops, the film ultimately works to bring out what the women learn from each other, to find the courage to show more of herself. That is not the end of the difficulties, but as Emmy Rossum, who plays Bec, sings in the final scenes: “at least I am falling forward because of you.”

Anna Stemmler

Translation: Carla MacDougall