Although the film is probably best known as the one that earned Anne Hathaway an Academy Award nomination, it joins Frozen River as one of those films that should have received more attention than it did. Hathaway's performance as a troubled, recovering addict is incredible, though the entire cast deserves credit. While most families don't face the same problems as Kym and Rachel's, there's a certain level of realism running throughout the film. The cast's reactions and interactions with one another feel completely natural. There's a real bond and family dynamic between the cast that isn't often found between screen families.
The entire movie is filmed in a handheld, shaky camera style similar to The Office. The bounce may annoy some viewers, in particular those who are sensitive to constant movement, but it is done just right that it isn't annoying. While the movie would probably be just as good with a traditional still-camera, the movement adds a sense of immediacy that really draws you into the story.
Even though the wedding plays a major role, the entire film is braced by the relationship between Kym and Rachel. It's a shame that Rosemary DeWitt didn't receive as much attention and praise as Hathaway, since she does just as great a job in her role. The sisters' relationship plays into another important dynamic - Kym's relationship with her mother, played by Debra Winger. The distance between the two is one of the film's more uncomfortable aspects, but it plays into the crux of the family's troubles perfectly.
Another element that may bother some viewers is the lack of a true resolution. One of the main undercurrents throughout the film is that you're observing one weekend in the life of a family. According to the commentary, this is deliberate and though it will drive some viewers insane, the choice pays off in the end. The commentary and cast interviews also reveal that the actors were really just performing live theater, which added yet another layer of realism.
As strong as the film is, there are a few weaker spots. The budding relationship between Kym and best man Kieran (Mather Zickle), who is also a recovering addict, isn't explored beyond a quickie in the closet. More scenes between the two are included in the Deleted Scenes section and help to flesh things out. Another weak point is that the film sometimes gets too caught up in everything else and loses focus. There's not much of a need to show every little detail from the wedding, screen time that would have been better used with the Kieran and Kym scenes.
Even with its flaws, Rachel Getting Married is an incredible film and even if it lacks a true end, it is something that will stick with you for a while.
