Film Review: The Great Lillian Hall
Cast
Jessica Lang
Kathy Bates
Lily Rabe
Jesse Williams
Pierce Brosnan
IN CINEMAS JUNE 5
★ ★ ★ ★☆
By Caroline Russo
There are certain performances that stay with you long after the credits roll, and Jessica Lange’s turn in The Great Lillian Hall is one of them. For decades, Lange has captivated audiences with her strength, grace, and raw emotional depth — and here, she delivers one of the most poignant roles of her career.
Directed by Michael Cristofer (The Night Clerk, Original Sin), The Great Lillian Hall is a deeply affecting and gracefully paced drama that follows the journey of a legendary Broadway actress, Lillian Hall, as she prepares for what could be her final stage performance. But as opening night approaches, Lillian faces a devastating personal challenge: the onset of dementia.
Watching Lange inhabit this character is a masterclass in restrained power. Every glance, hesitation, and burst of theatrical defiance feels lived in and heartbreakingly real. It’s the kind of performance that whispers Oscar potential — layered, honest, and emotionally resonant.
The film, produced by Oscar winner Bruce Cohen (American Beauty, Silver Linings Playbook) and Steven Rogers (I, Tonya), is subtle in its storytelling. Its emotional weight creeps up on you, building scene by scene — particularly in a powerful moment when Lillian’s daughter, played with delicate strength by Lily Rabe, discovers the truth about her mother’s condition. It’s an unforgettable scene that peels back the layers of grief, love, and legacy in one sweeping blow.
The casting is pitch-perfect. Kathy Bates, as Lillian’s long-time friend and assistant Edith, brings warmth and humour, grounding the film with her natural charisma. Pierce Brosnan, as the charming fellow artist Ty, offers a softer, more poetic presence, providing a lovely contrast to Lillian’s intensity. Jesse Williams adds a quiet steadiness, rounding out an ensemble that feels authentic and lived-in.
While the pacing of the film is deliberately slow, it reflects the emotional fragility of its subject. There are moments of joy, sadness, reflection — and most of all, dignity. The Great Lillian Hall is a film about legacy, memory, and the bittersweet beauty of saying goodbye on your own terms.
Jessica Lange has long been one of my favourite actresses, and watching her embody this complex, aging star is nothing short of breathtaking. She is Lillian Hall — magnetic, vulnerable, unforgettable.
A touching tribute to theatre, resilience, and the enduring spirit of an artist, The Great Lillian Hall is a must-see for anyone who loves character-driven stories and powerhouse performances.
