Movie/TV Show Being Reviewed:
The Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood

Reviewer:
Dominiquie Boyce

Genre:
Drama

Movies/TV Shows:
Movie

Suggested Age Range:
Everyone

Age Range Explained:
It may not be appealing to all teens, but it is applicable to everyone

Subject Headings:
Aging, Depression, Female lifespan development, Family dynamics, Relationships

Review:
The Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood focuses on Sidda Walker (Sandra Bullock), a Manhattan playwright who has a turbulent relationship with her drama-queen mother, Vivi. Sidda is interviewed by Time Magazine and is quoted as having an abusive childhood. This controversy with her mother, which grows to include hurtful remarks between the two of them. As the controversy continues, impacting Sidda’s upcoming marriage, her mother’s friends decide to present Sidda with a scrapbook and stories that link to her mother’s troubling past and a secret that Sidda, herself, was around for but misinterpreted and did not understand. Sidda’s examination of these stories allows her to put her life and relationships into perspective. Sidda sees a different side of her mother, changing their relationship. She recognizes that things have not been and are not going to be perfect, but that life can still be satisfying.

This movie can be useful for clients who are experiencing difficulties in later adulthood. They may find themselves wanting to make amends or make sure they are understood by their children before their time. This film portrays a parental perspective that the child does not see but gradually learns and gains understanding. This movie can be useful for clients experiencing difficulties in Erikson’s intimacy vs. isolation stage of development. Client’s may be able to connect with Sidda’s character in regard to wanting to progress with a meaningful relationship but at the same time being worried about factors that may hinder their ability to do so.