As They Made Us

As They Made Us is a 2022 American drama film written, directed, and produced by Mayim Bialik in her feature directorial debut. The film stars Dianna Agron, Simon Helberg, Candice Bergen, Dustin Hoffman, Julian Gant, Charlie Weber, and Justin Chu Cary. The plot follows Abigail (Agron) and the last moments she and her family spend with her dying father (Hoffman). It was released in theaters and on VOD by Quiver Distribution on April 8, 2022. It received positive reviews from critics.

As They Made Us
Theatrical release poster
Directed byMayim Bialik
Written byMayim Bialik
Produced by
Starring
CinematographyDavid Feeney-Mosier
Edited by
  • Nick Wright
  • Monica Salazar
Music byKevin Besignano
Production
companies
Distributed byQuiver Distribution
Release date
  • April 8, 2022 (2022-04-08)
Running time
100 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish

Synopsis

A series of flashbacks showcase Abigail's upbringing. In the present, Abigail is a divorced mother of two. A specialist recommends she hire a caregiver for her parents, Barbara and Eugene when the latter loses his ability to walk. Another doctor puts Eugene on hospice and says he has six months to live, devastating Barbara. Abigail visits her estranged brother, Nathan. Nathan talks to Eugene but refuses to visit Barbara. Abigail begins a relationship with Jay, a landscaper. Eugene confesses his love for Barbara before passing away a few days later. Abigail and Barbara attend his funeral, but Nathan is emotionally unable to. Abigail argues with Nathan for leaving her alone during this emotional time. Six months later, Nathan invites Abigail to his daughter’s graduation party and they reconnect.

Cast
  • Dianna Agron as Abigail, a harried and struggling divorcee and mother of two sons
  • Simon Helberg as Nathan, Abigail's estranged brother
  • Candice Bergen as Barbara, Abigail's difficult mother
  • Dustin Hoffman as Eugene, Abigail's father whose health is failing
  • Justin Chu Cary as Jay, a landscaper who Abigail is attracted to
  • Charlie Weber as Peter, Abigail's unsupportive ex-husband
  • Julian Gant as Garrick, Eugene's full-time in-home care nurse
  • John Wollman as Dr. Ashkenazy, Eugene's original physician
  • Sweta Keswani as Dr. Patel, a neurologist that Barbara goes to for a second opinion

Production

In September 2019, it was reported that actress Mayim Bialik would make her feature writing and directing debut with the drama film As Sick as They Made Us.[1] In November 2019, it was announced that Dustin Hoffman, Candice Bergen, Simon Helberg and Olivia Thirlby would star.[2] In a December 2020 interview, Bialik said it will be filmed after the COVID-19 pandemic.[3]

In April 2021, it was reported that Dianna Agron had replaced Thirlby due to schedule disruption caused by the pandemic.[4] In June 2021, Justin Chu Cary and Charlie Weber joined the cast as filming commenced in New Jersey.[5]

Release

In February 2022, the film was acquired by Quiver Distribution, which released it in theaters and on video on demand on April 8, 2022.[6]

Reception

On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, 81% of 21 critics' reviews are positive, with an average rating of 6.9/10.[7] Metacritic, which uses a weighted average, assigned the film a score of 61 out of 100 based on 8 critics, indicating "generally favorable reviews".[8]

References
  1. Hipes, Patrick (September 9, 2019). "Mayim Bialik To Make Screenwriting And Directing Debut With 'As Sick As They Made Us' – Toronto". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved December 23, 2021.
  2. Ritman, Alex (November 8, 2019). "Dustin Hoffman, Candice Bergen Team for 'Sick as They Made Us'". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved January 4, 2021.
  3. Keveney, Bill (December 31, 2020). "Mayim Bialik charts post-'Big Bang' path with Fox's 'Call Me Kat,' podcast: 'I get to be more myself'". USA Today. Retrieved January 4, 2021.
  4. Kit, Borys (March 31, 2021). "Dianna Agron Joins Dustin Hoffman, Candice Bergen in Mayim Bialik's 'As Sick as They Made Us'". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved June 24, 2021.
  5. Grater, Tom (June 23, 2021). "Justin Chu Cary & Charlie Weber Join Dustin Hoffman In Mayim Bialik's 'As Sick As They Made Us' – Cannes". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved June 24, 2021.
  6. Grobar, Matt (February 10, 2022). "Quiver Acquires Mayim Bialik's Feature Directorial Debut 'As They Made Us' Starring Dianna Agron, Simon Helberg, Candice Bergen & Dustin Hoffman, Sets April Release". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved February 11, 2022.
  7. "As They Made Us". Rotten Tomatoes. Fandango Media. Retrieved April 15, 2022.
  8. "As They Made Us". Metacritic. Fandom, Inc. Retrieved April 15, 2022.
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