By Romey Norton - December 10, 2024
Based on Ashley Berry’s memoir "Waiting for Rainbows", Four tells the story of a couple who struggle with infertility and tragedy. Starring Meghan Carrasquillo, Spencer Breslin, Stacey Dash, and Taryn Manning, the film is slow but still an emotional rollercoaster. Have your tissues ready.
Four opens with a series of old home movie-style clips, with dates from 2006 to 2009, introducing the cast and watching a relationship develop. It’s a sweet and intriguing opening, even though it feels like the end of a film, and the font is very difficult to read.
As a couple finds it hard to conceive, they turn to adoption, delving into this difficult process. The film does well in exploring the journey of adoption, and what being a parent means to people. Audiences experience the ups and downs and the realism that adoption is not always guaranteed and people can change their minds.
Four gives the vibes of being a kitchen sink, and daytime drama, through its simple story, and sentimental situations. The film is shot in chapters, at times you could be watching a documentary or “at home with the…” type of family reality show. While the story is a little basic, the acting makes the film worth watching.
Meghan Carrasquillo (What Lies Behind the Walls) portrays Berry, a woman struggling with infertility, with high emotion and realism. You can feel her struggle and pain come through the screen. Breslin (The Santa Clause 3) plays Berry’s husband Cal as a gentle, kind, and vulnerable man. Dash (Cluess) as social worker Beth and Taryn Manning (Orange is the New Black) as the gynaecologist are excellent in their supporting roles - helping drive the narrative along.
The sombre orchestral music throughout was a little overbearing and became very repetitive. After the first hour, I needed a little pick-me-up sound to give some hope and positivity. The film is very sad - sometimes it does feel too much doom and gloom. There needed to be more happiness between the couple and their son, to show why they would adopt and try for another baby again.
Then, just when you think they’ve made a perfect family, the film takes a dark turn in the final act. You almost can’t believe two people went through all this and are still together.
The film's ending might be predictable but it is still sweet and wholesome. Four ends with a powerful quote from the original author, a short home video, and photos from the real-life couple and their children. Showing how the most important thing in life is family, being loved, and sharing your love with others.
Four is a film that will inspire others to keep fighting for their dreams. The pro-adoption positivity is wonderful and eye-opening, and will hopefully educate audiences on their options if they are going through something similar. It’s a film about hope, drive, and communication. With emotional performances, Four is a must-watch drama.
Four. is available now on digital platforms
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