Unusually Demi struggles a bit in this. Having the Costner and Hurt "characters" on screen together is a bit clumsy at times but I suppose it is better than having two Costners.
It has some delightful touches of offbeat humour sprinkled here and there in an interesting screenplay. It is performed by an interesting mix of a cast which includes the great character actor Peter Vaughan.
The low key performance of the two leads is just right. The male patiently surviving onslaughts from his nagging grandmother whilst the female is at all times beautifully non effusive. Soppy romantic screenplay writers can learn a lot from watching this.
Good production values. However, there was a lot of mumbling behind beards and it wasn't that easy to follow the screenplay but because the synopsis sounded interesting I hope to read the book.
The screenplay wasn't that interesting – you either believe in reincarnation or you don't. However, there is an excellent adult cast to take you through.
Some more excellent Cohen screenwriting and music collaboration with T Bone Burnett. The winter scenes are well done and even with an overcoat, it is cold. The casting is spot on with the verbal sparring between Oscar Isaac and John Goodman the highlight.