Postcards from the Edge (1990)

Meryl Streep delivers a powerhouse performance as Suzanne Vale, a Hollywood actress teetering on the brink of self-destruction due to her substance addiction. Following a stint in rehab, the studio dictates she must live with her mother, Doris Mann (Shirley MacLaine), a former star and now an equally formidable drinker. This arrangement forces Suzanne to confront not only her own chaotic life but also the deeply ingrained dynamics of her relationship with a mother who still views her as a child, even as the lines between them begin to blur and a surprising understanding starts to emerge. *Postcards from the Edge* is a masterclass in tonal balance, seamlessly blending sharp, often brutal humor with genuine pathos, a hallmark of Mike Nichols' directorial genius. Nichols expertly navigates the complexities of family, addiction, and the performative nature of Hollywood, eliciting career-defining performances from both Streep and MacLaine. The film’s unflinching honesty about the struggles of recovery, coupled with its witty dialogue and poignant exploration of mother-daughter relationships, makes it a standout in Nichols' filmography, showcasing his ability to find the humanity and the humor in even the darkest of circumstances.