Chantilly Bridge is a subtle movie, crafted by director Linda Yellen and an ensemble of talented women. The movie is a follow-up to the gem from 30 years ago, Chantilly Lace. The old friends introduced to us in Chantilly Lace get back together to grieve the dead, remember old times, and to share life stories - the way one only can with their oldest and truest friends. Where Chantilly Lace showed us women dealing with transitions - losing a job, losing faith, discovering sexual identity and facing illness and death - Chantilly Bridge let's us eavesdrop on their reflections of life experiences. They reunite in the middle of winter, and, metaphorically, in the winter of their lives. The accomplished cast, including 6 of the 7 actresses from Chantilly Lace plus the talented Patricia Richardson and Naaji Sky Adzimah, tell these stories themselves in a movie that is largely unscripted. Meaningful scenes, beautifully acted.
19 Reviews
Poignant and powerful!
hope-901688 April 2023
Linda Yellen's CHANTILLY BRIDGE is a love note to the indomitability of female friendship and the beauty and complexities of found family as we age, love and grow. Though a sequel to Yellen's CHANTILLY LACE, seeing the prior film is not a prerequisite. I hadn't and yet was immediately swept up in each woman's quietly fraught world, cheering for her triumphs and mourning the inevitable losses and compromises that are part and parcel of the landscape of every life. Unvarnished dialogue, an authentic rapport and warmth among the characters, stellar storytelling and gorgeous filmography (the backdrop is the spartan beauty of a rural Upstate New York winter) make CHANTILLY BRIDGE an absolute must see.
What a gem!
chrislmendonca9 April 2023
I just saw Chantilly Bridge at the Village East in NYC - and it is an incredible gem of a movie, and one of the first in the long time where I felt I was on a journey with the audience - we laughed, gasped, cried - basically went through the rollercoaster of the movie (and life's emotions) together. It's about female friendship and the ties that bind us together -- and what we might just think could pulls apart is what's those relationships deeper and more resonant. The ensemble cast was just brilliant, familiar women who you just want to root for. I really am still finding the words to describe it. (Did not see Chantilly's Lace prior, so now I have to hunt that down).
Great film!
MiaPia1431 March 2023
I saw this film recently and thought it was terrific. My wife and I watch a lot of films and she had seen the original Chantilly Lace years ago which I hadn't. But it didn't make a difference. Not only is it a completely new story but the director uses a really clever device of incorporating scenes from the original so that we see the women interacting 25 years ago (really fun to see these great actresses then and now in the same film!) and get what happened then that still has repercussions now. There's an additional character, the interracial daughter of Helen Slater, and the friction between them really captures what I've experienced with my daughter. There's also a separate story that the daughter reveals later in the film that I won't ruin but the emotional toll it's taken on her and how the others rally to her support was a great scene. There are also a lot of laughs, especially in a scene between Jill Eikenberry and Lindsay Crouse involving a dead woman's ashes and a coffee can - 'nuff said. All in all, a terrific film and really gratifying to see these woman up there on the screen again. See it!
Chantilly Bridge: a must see
bruchezhall9 April 2023
Good cast, great acting, a moving story of female friendship enduring through time. It feels "real" as if you were eavesdropping on a group of old friends who really care for each other. They have not met together in 25 years - that was the time of the first movie, Chantilly Lace, when they were in their forties and fiery. Fiery they still are. Jill Eikenberry, Talia Shire, Lindsay Crouse, Helen Slater pick up their roles as if they had never ceased to inhabit them. They are joined by Patricia Richardson and Naaji Kenn. It's rare to see actors so clearly at ease in their roles that they don't seem to be acting. Is it based on a real story? Asked the woman seated beside me today. They are getting older and their questions reflect that as they tangle with the fear of losing a job, the reality of being fired, the possible staleness of a long marriage. They share intimate secrets and sexual fantasies. What does it mean to get older and to fear becoming invisible. They truly like each other and will keep fighting for the right to a fulfilling life.
Chantilly Bridge is a must see for anyone who cares for a group of women wonderfully alive and moving - great actors doing their best under the caring eye of director Linda Yellen.
Chantilly Bridge is a must see for anyone who cares for a group of women wonderfully alive and moving - great actors doing their best under the caring eye of director Linda Yellen.
Powerhouse of a Female Ensemble Cast!
barbarapurcell11 April 2023
The film is a poignant follow-up to 1993's Chantilly Lace. Chantilly Bridge is a story about growing older and stronger and softer with one another-summed up in a single line from the film: 'what gets stitched together when you keep reaching out.' I appreciated the impromptu intimacy of the dialogue, kind of a refreshing change in this era of big-budget blockbusters. I also loved the setting and the way it encapsulated a certain poetry when it comes to the beauty and complexity of female friendships. Gorgeously shot in the stark light of winter, Chantilly Bridge is one for all seasons of life.
A rare gem of a movie!
sbsivi8 April 2023
Chantilly Bridge is a rare gem of a movie! It's extraordinary cast of women create a story that is warm, intimate and compelling. My wife and I were both equally captivated by the timeless quality of the performances and the real-life character issues that resonate with us all. Even the dialogue sounds natural and unaffected - probably because these remarkable actors were challenged by director Linda Yellin to use their own words. As a result, each of the film's well-photographed scenes reverberates with a gentle authenticity that will draw you in. And the music too is a treat as it's provided by the great Judy Collins, sounding as wonderful as ever. If you're looking for a beautiful film made for adults, let us highly recommend Chantilly Bridge!
Touching and beautifully acted
fisher-650178 April 2023
My husband, daughter and I so enjoyed this movie. It touched all generations. The acting was so superb from a cast of remarkable seasoned actors. Jill Eikenberry's role was so funny and poignant in a way we hadn't seen her act before. Lindsay Crouse also stood out and Talia Shire was so hilarious. There were so many funny as well as emotional parts throughout the movie. The screen shots were beautifully composed. It was such a treat to hear Judy Collins sing a new version of Simon and Garfunkel's Scarborough Fair and other songs. It was an amazing script that felt so realistic. Just a truly wonderful experience.
Wonderful Film with Wonderful Women!
claradaycable27 March 2023
I got to see this film at SXSW last year and really loved it. Not only were the performances exceptional, but the conversations between the women flowed so effortlessly. You really feel like you're one of the women in the room with them. The writers really hit the nail on the head when capturing female friendships and shared experiences. The film invokes a lot of emotion, especially when you're viewing it with your mother and sister like I did. I watched the first Chantilly Lace with my sister when I was younger so I was really looking forward to this sequel. It was so interesting to see how they've changed over the course of their lives, and Linda Yellen give such great direction. Bringing all the women back together was a very special thing for me to see. I recommend watching this film!
Wonderful movie
daphnephilipson8 April 2023
Chantilly Bridge is the perfect movie to remind us of the importance of female relationships and how they can sustain us. A reminder to treasure our friends and rely on them for support and encouragement. The acting is perfect and the story emotional but also warm hearted.
Linda Yellen once again provides us with a movie that is both emotional and fun. The cast is brilliant. Although it is a sequel to Chantilly Lace from 1993 it is not necessary to have seen it to enjoy this film. The flashbacks are helpful and provide insight to the past story. It is so wonderful to see these actresses together again after all this time.
Linda Yellen once again provides us with a movie that is both emotional and fun. The cast is brilliant. Although it is a sequel to Chantilly Lace from 1993 it is not necessary to have seen it to enjoy this film. The flashbacks are helpful and provide insight to the past story. It is so wonderful to see these actresses together again after all this time.
Memorable!
jhadjiyanis17 April 2023
Really enjoyed this film as an ode to deep long friendships over time..and a reminder to cherish every present moment we have to enjoy our close friends who are there to support our sorrows and celebrate our joys.
I never saw the original Chantilly Lace - but this film neatly delivers an embedded review of their past connections and shared experiences that build to this continuation of the arc of lifelong friendships. How living through each era experiencing together the social/political/personal forces that shaped our lives, formed our crises and successes, forged deep and lasting relationships that help us cross that bridge.
I never saw the original Chantilly Lace - but this film neatly delivers an embedded review of their past connections and shared experiences that build to this continuation of the arc of lifelong friendships. How living through each era experiencing together the social/political/personal forces that shaped our lives, formed our crises and successes, forged deep and lasting relationships that help us cross that bridge.
so authentic it.... makes you want to call your best friend and say "thanks'our best friend
jeffornstein-3261910 April 2023
A creative and accomplished director has created this remarkable sequel 30 years after the release of Chantilly Lace. With stand out performances by its cast, this is an amazing story of friendship and all it offers and requires, and the benefits that come from being there for someone else when they most need it, even if they are unaware. From the ensemble worked so well together, to the relevance of the story line and the austerity of the setting... it all seemed to blend just wonderfully as a complete statement. I went last Friday with 3 friends, and we all walked away very moved by the artistry and the authenticity.
If you are free to go, I encourage you to do so and be reminded of how valuable friendships are.
If you are free to go, I encourage you to do so and be reminded of how valuable friendships are.
A wonderful film!
mleone-7155520 April 2023
This is a beautiful film that follows the journeys, triumphs and tribulations of childhood friends. It speaks to me about the value of lady friends! The scenery was phenomenal and the music was perfect for the story. Congratulations to all involved with the making of this film. I will having a ladies night soon to show this to my childhood/lifelong friends. I love that you showed the characters at the age they are and not glammed up! I also loved how the daughter of one of the characters came to see her mother through a different lens, thanks to mom's friends. I laughed, cried, sang along and got goosebumps at many points.
Beautiful, authentic, moving, hilarious, tragic, hopeful!
cathya-325 April 2023
This film holds you in its heart from beginning to end. It was authentic & relatable on every level. Acting, writing, directing, music, cinematography - all riveting, all right on the mark. The best friends in the story become your best friends, their struggles, your struggles, their joy, your joy. Yes, it's a film about women and friendship, but men should see it as well. So much insight. It will enlighten and enrich you. I've also never seen a movie that is so lyrical, not just in the dialogue, but in the way the dialogue, music and action are all put together. Kudos to these wonderful actors, and the writer, director, cinematographer and everyone else who worked on this film and put it together in such a beautiful way. Thank you. I will cherish this film and watch it, again and again.
Class Acts
batfishcat8 April 2023
It was truly a treat to see this ensemble of veteran actresses given a great script to dig into and return to roles they so memorably played 30 years ago. The addition of Patricia Richardson (as Natalie's younger sister) and newcomer Naaji Sky Adzimah (as a daughter to Hannah, named after Natalie) since the original Chantilly Lace film in 1993 contributed additional depth and invited a new generation into this world of women's experiences. By the end of the film you feel as if you really know these women and can see how the strength of their relationships has created a safe and loving space for them to be themselves--vulnerable, honest, funny, and brave. It made me grateful both to be a woman and to have great friends like these in my own life.
Awesome Movie
tparkerlane6 April 2023
"Chantilly Bridge," the sequel to "Chantilly Lace" (1993), is the
story of a group of friends facing late middle age and older, the
problems and issues that happen along the way. The all-woman
cast shows a friendship that has endured for all of their lives and
the movie depicts this and how they are always there for each
other - good and bad. "Chantilly Bridge" shows the love they
have for one another. The women gather to pay tribute to Ruth
and to help her daughter, Shelley (Patricia Richardson) pack up
her mom's belongings and sell her home. The issues that are
brought up in this movie are poignant and have real world
substance. These lifelong friends reminisce, discuss life altering
events in their lives and just being themselves as only old friends
can do. It is a moving and thought-provoking movie.
Director Linda Yellen shot the film in a small town in Northern New York during winter. The movie features a lot of improvisation, and the all-women cast worked together to develop their characters and their concerns. This way of filming the movie gives it authenticity and sincerity.
This is a movie I would strongly recommend seeing.
Director Linda Yellen shot the film in a small town in Northern New York during winter. The movie features a lot of improvisation, and the all-women cast worked together to develop their characters and their concerns. This way of filming the movie gives it authenticity and sincerity.
This is a movie I would strongly recommend seeing.
A different kind of Chick Flick
nyhavlis8 April 2023
Warning: Spoilers
A charming film about life long girlfriends who have lived through all their triumphs, disasters, failures, marriages and changes together and still remain close and there for each other. I highly reccomend this touching film about the friends we all need and cherish throughout our lives.
Taking place decades after the original Chantilly Lace this film revisits the five life long friends. They arrange seasonal gatherings at various New England homes. There they review their individual histories, examine past relationships, reaffirm their love for one another and give each other the friendship, understanding and compassion and love they all need to face their final chapters in life. It is a heart warming experience I highly recommend.
Taking place decades after the original Chantilly Lace this film revisits the five life long friends. They arrange seasonal gatherings at various New England homes. There they review their individual histories, examine past relationships, reaffirm their love for one another and give each other the friendship, understanding and compassion and love they all need to face their final chapters in life. It is a heart warming experience I highly recommend.
A tasteful, microscopic story of real friendship
mattryanthomas18 May 2023
Equal parts heartfelt and heartbreaking, Chantilly Bridge offers a glimpse into the turmoil in the mind of aging women. The film moves with a tastefully slow pace, letting the audience identify with the characters, whose naturalistic dialogue allows banter to flow into arguments, into heartwrenching moments of silence.
Some fantastic performances in here from an ensemble of notable actors. Even as someone who has yet to see Chantilly Lace (the prequel), the natural charisma of the cast made it easy to understand the dynamics and history of their friendship.
Throughout, there's cute comedic moments that nicely break up the heavier conversations that dominate the film. All I'll say to avoid spoilers: I'm glad nobody in the house drinks coffee.
Some fantastic performances in here from an ensemble of notable actors. Even as someone who has yet to see Chantilly Lace (the prequel), the natural charisma of the cast made it easy to understand the dynamics and history of their friendship.
Throughout, there's cute comedic moments that nicely break up the heavier conversations that dominate the film. All I'll say to avoid spoilers: I'm glad nobody in the house drinks coffee.
Chantilly Bridge - great 25 year follow-up to Chantilly Lace!
mputter-7106221 April 2023
I had the opportunity to see Chantilly Bridge at a screening in NYC at the Village East (a father-daughter event). It was a beautifully made movie, wonderful cast, and a great follow-up to Chantilly Lace (which I had seen earlier in the week, but my daughter had not). BOTH of us enjoyed the movie thoroughly, and found the stories compelling, the acting very "real" (and as much of it was unscripted, that added to the authenticity), and while filled with feminist themes and lots of "girl-bonding", it was not just a "Chick flick"! Definitely worth seeing, and loved the addition of Patricia Richardson to the ensemble cast!
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