SBIFF FILM REVIEW: Caroline Aaron Takes Us Through Alzheimer's in ‘4th Dementia’
Rating: ★★★★☆
Lord have mercy! "4th Dementia" is the absolute best wordplay for a film title! It follows the wild, mind-bending journey of an elderly woman on a quest to rediscover herself through not one, not two, but multiple dimensions! The deeper she goes, the more it twists your mind, leaving you both captivated and emotional. Her name is Nellie and let me tell you—Caroline Aaron absolutely owns this role. She pours everything into the character, delivering a performance that's both captivating and deeply moving. Every scene, she’s truly mesmerizing. Seriously, I haven’t had a brain aneurysm moment as an audience member since Everything Everywhere All At Once! This movie is a rollercoaster through space, time, and the mind – and it's a ride you don’t want to miss!
It’s touching, it’s heartwarming, and it hits you right in the feels. 4th Dementia takes you on an emotional rollercoaster, capturing both the highs and lows of Alzheimer’s disease. While the film has its funny moments, there’s something deeper lurking beneath the surface. With an estimated 6.9 million Americans aged 65 and older living with Alzheimer’s in 2024, this disease isn’t just some passing joke—it’s a reality for millions. Unless you've seen a loved one battle it, you can’t fully grasp the weight of it. But 4th Dementia uses humor to break through the heaviness, showing us that even in the darkest of times, laughter can be the light that keeps us going. It’s a brilliant mix of truth, tenderness, and wit that makes you appreciate the journey of those who fight this disease—and the love that surrounds them.
