All We Had (2016) User Reviews (32)

A destitute family finds a new home thanks to kindness and understanding

[Amari-Sali · 7/10 · 11 December 2016]

Trigger Warning(s): Tooth Extraction | Transphobia

Review (with Spoilers)

Noted Actor(s)

Ruthie (Stefania LaVie Owen) | Marty (Richard Kind) | Rita (Katie Holmes) | Peter Pam (Eve Lindley)

Storyline

All Rita wanted was for her daughter Ruthie to have a better life than she did. Problem is, Rita doesn't have anything to her name besides a car and a long string of bad relationships. Yet, things maybe looking up. After trying to dine and dash she meets a forgiving man named Marty who gives her a job and from there things were kind of looking up. Though with Rita's history of men, and some already sniffing around her skirt, who knows if her bad pattern will persist or if she will finally do right by Ruthie.

Highlights

Peter Pam

The relationship between Peter Pam (a name I'm not sure is the character's assigned named and chosen name, or what) and Ruthie, as well as her relationship with Marty, I felt was so precious. To the point, you almost wished this movie was about her struggle with being trans, desiring to go to New York, but being ever so fearful about making it.

Criticism

Good Stories With Weak Development

If you look at each individual character, there is an interesting story to tell. With Rita, you have a woman who grew up in the foster system who is probably in no way prepared to be a mother, yet she is trying her best. Of course, her best sometimes may not seem good enough, and she is probably doing more damage to Ruthie than she ever intended, since stability is not part of their lives, but she is trying. Then, switching to Ruthie, she has this mom that has given her a nomad life. One in which she has to steal to survive since her mom rarely has more than a few dollars in her pocket, from doing who knows what. Yet, this isn't the life she wants. She wants to go to school, maybe meet a cute guy and get to know him, friends! But someone has to take care of her mom. She has no one else. A statement which applies both ways.

Then with Marty and Peter Pam you have the trans thing and him sticking up for her, and even the characters who aren't necessarily noteworthy, since they don't leave a strong impression, they could have had their stories beefed up to really mean something. That is, rather than this movie, assumingly, trying to make sure every character from its book source being noted and us getting a watered down version of the character.

Overall: Mixed (Home Viewing)

Like many an ensemble picture, with the film making it seem everyone could be the star, no one gets focused on, nor really developed enough, to have a quality performance. Which isn't to say the characters don't grow and change throughout the film, it is just the focus is so split that you don't get to witness and feel the full emotional weight of it. But, despite saying that, it is always nice to see more trans characters. Lavie Owen seems like she can have a decent career ahead of her and I'm leaving it at that.

Good Effort But Flawed

[riversideriverside · 5/10 · 20 April 2017]

The film has the strengths aforementioned on this site. But the improvisation, and other scenes like it, in the house between mother and daughter near the end failed and were very annoying. And there was something particularly unbelievable about Ruthie's rebelliousness at one point when things improved for her and her mother. Luke Wilson's role was performed masterfully.

Very nice for first time director

[wwtriplet · 7/10 · 1 January 2017]

I liked all the characters. The actors all acted very nicely. I think Katie turned her best performance yet. I wish it could have been longer. It was a mother daughter story and that is who we learned about the most. I loved the combination of actors you wanted to know more because the performances drew you to them. For a first time director Katie seemed to bring out some hidden talent in Mark Consuelos. Stefania LaVie Owen is believable as Katie's daughter. Richard Kind seems to always turn in really nice performance and Eve Lindley was perfect for her role. Luke Wilson's performance was probably why I gave it a 7 . He good but not as good as the others. I liked the music and the location went with the story. The editing seemed to flow I've watched some independent movies were it seemed choppy or timing between scenes was to slow or to fast. I did not get bored. I watched to the end.

Indie Marks Holmes' Directorial Debut

[larrys3 · 6/10 · 1 March 2017]

Katie Holmes, as Rita, and Stefania Owen, as Ruthie, are both excellent in their starring roles here as mother and daughter respectively. with Holmes making her feature film directorial debut as well. This is a dark and gritty drama, at times difficult to watch, as Rita proves to be just an awful mother in so many ways, as she drags Ruthie from town to town, ending one bad relationship with a man only to move onto the next one. Their odyssey comes to at least a temporary halt when Rita's car breaks down and they're forced to establish some roots in a town along the way.

There's really a top notch cast here with Luke Wilson, Richard Kind, Eve Lindley, and Siobhan Fallon all enhancing the film in supporting roles. To note, there's raw and explicit language throughout the movie and some suggestive sexual scenes as well.

Overall, one's rating of this film may hinge on how much the viewer can accept a mother's actions and behavior as part of a dramatic storyline and put one's "judgmental hats" aside. For me, the strong acting, the intensity of the plot elements, and finally the uplifting final parts of the movie made it a fairly decent indie watch.

Exciting & Touching

[hakeemtarabulsi · 7/10 · 15 October 2017]

Although general rating on IMDb was 5.8/10 when I wrote this review, however I have rated this movie 7/10, and could have given 8/10 or even 9/10 if there was no mini goofs.

The movie caught me as of the first few scenes, I love movies which expose the humanitarian aspects of the story, and I found what I really love in "All We Had".

The plot is pretty intricate, nevertheless the smooth flow of events was never affected. I loved this movie!

Katie Holmes will make her mark as Director...but

[edv-57309 · 2/10 · 30 April 2016]

This adaptation lacks the depth and solemnity of the source material, Annie Weatherwax's novel of the same title. The opening scenes introduce viewers into the story establishing the main theme of the film of an addict who is trying to make a better life for her 14-year-old daughter but the plot rapidly gets boring. Despite the mediocre screenplay, Katie Holmes delivers as Director and actress; Stefania Owen who plays Rita Carmichael (Holmes) daughter Ruthie also delivers a strong performance. Overall this movie proves that Holmes will be able to make her mark as Director with screenplays worthy to make into a film, unfortunately the screenplay of this movie ruined what could have been a great drama.

Underrated Slice of Low-Life Navigation Through a Perfect Storm

[LeonLouisRicci · 7/10 · 15 May 2017]

A Huge Slice of "Down and Out" Life is what the Directorial Debut of Actress Katie Holmes (who also stars) serves to Enquiring Minds and the Result is an Underrated, Heavily Clichéd, but ultimately Watchable Actor's Showcase.

The Actor's bring to Life some Low-Life but Likable Characters Coalescing around a Struggling Small Town Diner. The Diner is an Island on a Sea that is Experiencing a "Perfect Storm" of Personal, Cultural, and Societal Devastation.

Kathryn Reis is "Sally" the "Sister Looking" Daughter to a Mom (Katie Holmes), a Product of a "Child Services" Upbringing that was given No Tools or Education on the Subject of "Momhood".

Running Scared the Duo Travel from Town to Town Living (barely) on Sheer Survival Skills and Luck. But once Stranded at the Diner and Forced to "Land" for some Repairs (to their car and themselves), They Encounter Counter Intuitive Folks who are Kind and Compassionate.

Richard Kind as "Tiny" the Diner Owner, Eve Lindley (almost steals the show) as Transgender "Peter Pam", get it, and Luke Wilson as a Potential "Knight" to the Rescue, are all Superb in this Drama about the Hopes and Dreams of "Little People" and the Obstacles Obstructing an Easy Path from the "Storm" of Life".

But there are "Lifelines" and "Lifeboats" along the way and the Two may, Perhaps, find a Comforting Port, despite the odds, if They keep Paddling in the Same Direction, Together.

Watchable

[bazookamouth-221-898097 · 5/10 · 6 April 2022]

Katie Holmes ( Rita ) played the white trash down on her luck mom really well. Stefania (Ruthie) was slightly to old for the part of the daughter she was playing. Still a good chemistry. Why would the diner that later employs Rita, employ a transsexual to be the lead waitress and not expect it to bring trouble and later closure. Why would a principal of a school that Ruthie attends who looks as rundown as Rita live across the road from Rita new house. Why would the dentist (Luke WIlson) be going to a sleazy looking A. A. meeting where he meets Rita. How would he keep his practice if he is a alcoholic? Why would the level headed Ruthie give in to peer pressure so quickly at the school openly smoking and doing drugs pretty much on arrival? Again why would Ruthie have such a character change when they seem to get on the right track toward the end going from level headed girl to spoilt angst brat? Cigarette smoking was heavy in this movie. Depictions of smoking are fine for realism but this was pretty much a constant through the movie. Still all in all watchable mainly for Katie Holmes who was terrific. I kinda liked it even if some of it was not believable.

Kinda predictable

[stormatsunup · 6/10 · 20 November 2020]

I just KNEW she'd eventually wind up with that handsome, too polite gentleman that threw up on her in the diner near the beginning of the movie. I could just feel it. The ending just left you guessing whether this poor nice guy that had some obvious very bad breaks was able to change her or did she mess him up further? My guess is the latter. They definitely left you open for a Part II.

This woman and her daughter were obviously heading down skid row BEFORE the 2008 financial meltdown. And that realtor (that they made into the worst stereotype from hell imaginable) did not "make" her sign that contract to purchase that home. She knew, as well as I, that she couldn't afford it AT ALL on a diner waitress wage, especially with the repairs and maintenance it obviously needed. At least she got off with him quite a few times though because that's what meant the most to her). I sold real estate for years and talked people OUT of buying houses for various reasons, one being my sister who fell in love with a hooptie of a house with the Better Homes & Gardens magazine and fresh flowers in a vase near the entrance. "Give them a full price offer!" my Mother shouted to her....during the beginning of the housing bubble I advised them. I suggested offering 1/2 the asking price and start from there. 16 years later, that house is worth 1/2 of what she paid for it. Women will continue to be stupid, blame men for all of their woes and take no personal responsibility until hell freezes over.

If this movie were made in 1963, I'd be all in..... but I'm not buying any if it. It was free on Peacock or sumpthin' like that.

I just hope that tramp didn't mess up that poor naive gentleman's life further.

Bland On The Run

[wrightiswright · 5/10 · 11 December 2016]

How many times have I seen the formula for this film? Answer: Too many times.

An alcoholic woman goes on the run with her bratty but more responsible teenage daughter in a crappy car. Along the way they get involved in escapades involving slimy boyfriends, petty shoplifting and a transsexual waitress. The mother's currency of choice is sex, and she utilises it relentlessly to try and pay for her motor repairs, keep her new job and house etc. while her petulant child just mopes around and complains. A likable pair, they ain't.

A shaggy dog story at heart with a few easily navigable pitfalls along the way, the movie struggles to hold your attention during it's far too drawn-out 100 minute runtime, finally even switching the personalities of the main duo near the end to create some artificial tension. This is done with absolutely no foreshadowing or fanfare, proving that the director Katie Holmes (who drove Tom Cruise to jump onto Oprah's sofa. As you do) cares a lot more about the predictable banalities of the plot than anything approaching character development.

I'm sure there are much better films of this ilk about. What are they? No idea. How's about you do your own homework, lazy? 5/10

Excellent.

[zaethermind · 9/10 · 24 July 2017]

Well, I haven't read the novel...yet. I just watched the movie as I always do, patiently, and I can tell you the acting was great, really top notch from everyone. I don't care how many movies shared a similar plot, I can tell you for sure this one was done right. It's true it's a bit slow at times, but it's understandable. A movie for people who can still feel with their heart, not with stupid super-heroes, not with cgi or something which nowadays appear way too often in movies. For an indie debut movie, excellent.

Disappointed

[wendydanley · 3/10 · 12 May 2018]

Not the worst movie I've seen. But I would not recommend. The beginning was a good start, but only a few good scenes after that. Overall It was pretty boring

Boring and slow

[lgclark-2 · 2/10 · 2 June 2017]

Have you ever watched a movie that started out with a lot of promise and then it became a boring drag? "All We Had" is one of those. The main characters are interesting in the beginning but very quickly I was anxious for this thing to get over with because I no longer cared how it turned out. The acting was top notch and Caties Holmes' directing was adequate but the story was very clichéd and would have played better as a comedy.

Horribly casted and horribly written, do they not know what being poor is like.

[outofvogue18 · 2/10 · 5 February 2023]

Very unrealistic, the directing is okay, the writing is fantastical, in that it is not based in reality. If it were set in the 80's or 90's I could see it. However life is much different now, even in the early 2000's this doesn't make sense. Also you can't just have every actor/actress be physically fit and super attractive, it removes the realistic nature of things.

I truly believe that the writer/s don't understand what it's like to be poor. I'm sure the book was more realistic, but this film just went with stereotypical poor tropes and constantly missed the mark. This movie is poorly rated for a reason, if the majority of people that watched this didn't grow up poor, they at least knew/know people who actually are poor. This a indie film wannabe.

Super underrated

[synne-borresen · 8/10 · 10 July 2022]

This movie made me smile, giggle, relate, open my eyes, cry, shiver, inspire and so much more. I honestly cant understand why this had a 6 in the imdb rating. All actors are excellent. They are trusting in their character. The story is real and raw. I think alot of people will understand each character a little. And that is beautiful.

The Right Ending Can Make the Whole Story Fall Into Place

[mikeledo · 8/10 · 1 July 2017]

Rita (Katie Holmes) is a poor judge of character. She cares for her 14 year old daughter Ruthie (Stefania LaVie Owen) as they live on the road out of their dying car. Circumstances make it easy for them to stay in one place for a while, as she makes he life more complicated than it needs be and not trusting those who would help her. Eve Lindley plays a sympathetic cross dresser waitress who befriends Ruthie.

The film is a basic drama about life and the folks who live at the bottom. Well directed. Well acted. Slightly emotional, but not a heavy tear-jerker.

Guide: F-word. Sex. No nudity.

THE RIGHT ENDING CAN MAKE THE WHOLE STORY FALL INTO PLACE

[nogodnomasters · 8/10 · 18 November 2018]

Rita (Katie Holmes) is a poor judge of character. She cares for her 14 year old daughter Ruthie (Stefania LaVie Owen) as they live on the road out of their dying car. Circumstances make it easy for them to stay in one place for a while, as she makes he life more complicated than it needs be and not trusting those who would help her. Eve Lindley plays a sympathetic cross dresser waitress who befriends Ruthie.

The film is a basic drama about life and the folks who live at the bottom. Well directed. Well acted. Slightly emotional, but not a heavy tear-jerker.

Guide: F-word. Sex. No nudity.

The Road Trip of Life

[rbrb · 9/10 · 8 October 2022]

One of the best movies I have seen for some time!

A mother with her teenage daughter are victims of bad luck and poverty and so they go in search of a new life starting with a road trip.

Not only is this an absorbing drama but the acting from every player is first rate, with a highly intelligent script and super presentation..

The picture deserves a top rating as:

i) it graphically shows how poverty can and often will destroy individuals,and

ii) how prejudice against women and gender is so unfair, and

iii) the loving bond between parent and child is illustrated superbly.

This is not a unhappy film, quite the reverse . It is an uplifting movie done with guts, humor and grace.

9/10.

A rare and a beautiful portrayal the mother-daughter relationship!

[Reno-Rangan · 8/10 · 24 February 2018]

Katie Holmes directional debut film. Adapted from the novel of the same name. I really had not planned to love it. I thought it was another passing-by film in my life. Surprisingly, it was so much better. I simply loved it. Because anything about life struggle really intrigues me. Especially the struggles of the aging people, women, children themes.

This was about a mother and her teenage daughter. After escaping from her latest boyfriend, they decide to hit the road, travelling randomly. That reminded me 'The Glass Castle'. Their road adventure came to an end at some point, then set a tone similar to 'Safe Haven'. So they end up in a diner. Their lives begin to take shape around it. With so many turns, where the remaining narration heads were told by deciding their fate.

For some people, it was a drama where nothing much happens. But I felt every moment. The life does not just change like turning a coin to the other side. That's the detail, especially the relationship with others were nicely built. The whole story was narrated from the kid's perspective, like how she saw her mother struggling with boyfriends, alcohol and finally finding their own place to call home to lead a normal life.

It was almost a sentimental film. They should have created a more melodic track or borrowed one from the outside for it, because it deserves one. That would have set a tone for the film. It was just like another 'Infinitely Polar Bear', except it was mother-daughter thing. I think families would love such film. This really says that Katie Holmes has potential to be a great director. She also jointly produced it. Believe me. It is a totally underrated film. All I say is, it's a must see. If you listen to the haters, then you're missing out something wonderful!

8.5/10

Katie pulls it off nicely

[bernardoarquivo · 10/10 · 4 January 2019]

In her debut work as director, Katie Holmes tells the story of Rita Carmichael, a single mom who collects useless boyfriends, dumps them and goes from town to town with her daughter Ruthie. At some point their car breaks down in a small town and they are forced to work at a diner to support themselves. And there they will meet new people and their lives will take an unexpected turn.

Every time I see Katie on the screen I feel sorry that her career was cut short by her marriage. She is a brilliant actress, far superior to so many others of her generation and should be getting better roles. Her direction is competent and her performance is flawless. Stefania LaVie Owen, who plays her daughter Ruthie, is also very good.

Small Town Movie

[storydjdjlajdfjd · 8/10 · 29 July 2021]

Has multiple characters with their own depth of experience. A long introduction. Somewhat predictable, but people are too. Takes place in a small town with some interesting characters. I liked it.

Loved this movie

[peisli · 10/10 · 15 January 2019]

I thought I'm gonna hate it but I loved it. Great movie. Good acting.

KH kills it in this...

[brittney-43699 · 8/10 · 6 February 2019]

... mom and daughter coming of age movie. My mom and I struggled growing up and I get it. If you like gritty independent films with truth in them, this is for you. Plus the entire cast is amaZing.

Underrated film

[ocallaghan002 · 9/10 · 8 April 2022]

This is a great movie. Underrated film kaite homes does an amazing job in this movie. She pulls of a great performance in this movie. This is a great movie to watch on a nite in. Great cast great story. Very well done.

10 stars!

[paintedlaughter-56290 · 10/10 · 23 June 2019]

I LOVED this movie from start to finish. Excellent character development, scripting, acting, and storyline. Katie Holmes didn't just star in this film, but also directed it!! I literally can't think of a single negative so I give it 10/10 (which is super rare for me. Well done Katie!!