One True Thing Critic Reviews

Though Mom is ditzy and, at times, irritating, we come to recognize her as the family's most original creative spirit. Read the full review

An uplifting, superbly acted and intelligent family drama. Read the full review

One True Thing demonstrates that the power of simple things, the transcendent nature of the ordinary, can make for riveting filmmaking. Read the full review

It is the craftsmanship that elevates One True Thing above the level of a soaper. Read the full review

When we first see Meryl Streep's happy homemaker in One True Thing, she's a domestic dinosaur circa late '80s, a regular mommy monster. [18 September 1998, p.3E]Read the full review

Although the plot rarely excels, the actors bring enough to their roles to transform this motion picture into a satisfying weeper. Read the full review

It's a film whose virtues--particularly its rare, intelligent portrayal of the relationship between two generations of women--outweigh its faults. Read the full review

As sensitively written, fluidly directed and expertly acted as it is, and as elemental as its dramatic conflicts may be, One True Thing has trouble breaking free of its limitations as a small-scale, modestly aimed family drama.Read the full review

Bluntly, poignantly believable. Read the full review