Movie/TV Show Being Reviewed:
Where the Heart Is

Reviewer:
Laura Duncan and Jane Myers

Genre:
Drama

Movies/TV Shows:
Movie

Suggested Age Range:
Parental Guidance

Age Range Explained:
Not appropriate for all ages, some mature themes including sexual content, language, and some intense scenes

Subject Headings:
Grief & loss, Homelessness, Relationships, Sexual abuse, Substance abuse-alcohol

Review:
Based on a novel by Billie Letts, Where the Heart Is (2000) focuses on Novalee Nation (Natalie Portman). Novalee’s story begins when she is 17 and pregnant, abandoned by her boyfriend Willie Jack at a Wal-Mart in Oklahoma on their way to California. With no job, no money, and no job skills, Novalee is forced to live in the Wal-Mart until her daughter Americus is born. She then befriends a number of kind strangers who gradually help her to build a life for herself and her daughter despite many trials that befall them. Natalie had never experienced a loving family. She transitions during the movie from a homeless, friendless teenager to a young adult with a network of supportive friends.

The movie can be useful to counselors because of its exploration of a number of themes including relationships, teenage pregnancy, social support, alcoholism, grief, and sexual abuse. Issues of class and education are featured as Novalee struggles to feel worthy of a committed relationship with a man who sees her inner strengths and admires her courage in coping with life’s challenges. Young, female clients, especially pregnant teenagers, may find the heroine a role model and could benefit from a strength-based discussion of the challenges they face in dealing with their own pregnancy and social support issues. The movie would also be a useful adjunct with groups of pregnant teens to stimulate discussion of coping strategies and enhanced self-awareness.