I have to be honest: As much as I love Ellen Burstyn — and who doesn’t love Ellen Burstyn? — the idea of watching a “lighthearted road movie” starring the 93-year-old Oscar winner, Taiki Waititi, Pamela Anderson and a pigeon filled me with a certain level of dread. I was thus rather pleasantly surprised, though definitely not convinced, by Place to Be, a sentimental if somewhat endearing friendship dramedy that could perhaps be described as Trains, Planes and Automobiles meets Harold and Maude, or something like that.
Directed by Kornél Mundruczó, who made several acclaimed features in his native Hungary before branching out into English-language fare like Pieces of a Woman and At the Sea, this offbeat gro-mance (if that’s what you call a buddy movie between a grandma and middle-aged bro) is at best an homage to the talents of the great Burstyn, who delivers a memorable performance despite some of the maudlin turns the story takes. After bowing out of competition in Venice, the film will probably find a place to be on streaming.
Place to Be
The Bottom Line
A corny concept elevated by a major actress.
