Still Alice - B+

Rated PG-13, 99 minutes

Alec Baldwin and Julianne Moore

Wes's Grade: B+

Moore's unforgettable performance the highlight of the pensive "Still Alice"

If you've ever had a loved one with Alzheimer's knows what a challenge it may be. That is the premise of the heartbreaking, superbly-acted drama "Still Alice," with an unforgettable, tour-de-force turn from Julianne Moore that's almost certain to win her an Oscar, which would be deserved. Alice Howland (Moore), happily married to John (Alec Baldwin) with three grown children (Kristen Stewart, Kate Bosworth and Hunter Parrish), is a renowned linguistics professor who starts to forget words. When she receives a diagnosis of Early-Onset Alzheimer's Disease, Alice and her family find their bonds thoroughly tested. Her struggle to stay connected to who she once was is frightening, heartbreaking, and inspiring. Co-directed and written by Richard Glatzer and Wash Westmoreland ("Quinceanera") and based on Lisa Genova's best-selling 2007 novel of the same name, the pensive but warm, compassionate tone of the film keep it from being as depressing as you might think it would be. A memorable, often slow character study, it's filled with many subtle, powerful moments, made possible by the excellent, Oscar-worthy turn from Moore in a studied, textured role that's one of her best and one of the year's best. The slow progression of the film isn't all too surprising and even expected, and on that note "Still Alice" isn't all surprising, but it's still an honest, unflinching portrayal; Moore's convincing turn is to be seen, but she's well-supported by Baldwin as her loving husband and especially Stewart, the daughter assigned to help take care of her as Alice begins to get worse. There are a handful of unforgettable moments, including her heartbreaking speech mid-film, along with some nice, touching moments with Stewart, and they make for a solid pairing. "Still Alice" and Moore will stay with you long after the credits over. Expect to see Moore in the winner's circle (many times) for her unforgettable, shattering performance.