Sisters on diverse paths
“Georgia” is a character study of two sisters, one successful in both her personal and her professional life, the other a veritable train wreck who aspires to the fame of her talented sibling. Rather than a traditional narrative, the film is composed of episodes that create a portrait of a challenging family relationship.<br /><br />Georgia Flood (Mare Winningham) is an accomplished folk singer in the mold of Judy Collins and Mary Travers. Married, with two children, she is the complete opposite of her younger sister, Sadie (Jennifer Jason Leigh), an addict with a voice like sandpaper. Sadie loves Georgia and aspires to her fame, although in a very different style, but lacks the talent to achieve it. Ever hopeful, Sadie manages to hook up with scrubby bands and play gigs in half-empty dive bars. “I’ll make it soon,” she optimistically tells Georgia.<br /><br />But as with many addicts, Sadie’s dependency is her worst enemy. In an alcoholic haze from morning to night, she eventually graduates to heroin.<br />Desperate, hard-living and constantly strung-out, she lacks self-discipline and focus, not to mention self-realization about her talent or lack of it. Envious of Georgia’s self-assurance and musicianship, Sadie finds herself time and time again in need of Georgia’s caretaking and warnings. If, in addition to her fame, it’s Georgia’s domestic tranquility she admires, Sadie hasn’t a glimmer of how to achieve it.<br /><br />Leigh’s performance is raw and spontaneous. When she performs, though her voice is off-key and grating, she captivates by baring Georgia’s soul. A lengthy rendition of Van Morrison’s “Take Me Back” is embarrassing, yet Sadie forges though it with raw emotion. When Georgia, watching from the side of the stage, feels Sadie is going off the rails, she moves to a microphone and gently, melodically turns the solo into a duet to guide the song to a musically appropriate conclusion. This scene metaphorically represents the relationship between the two women. Georgia will always be there when Sadie needs help.<br /><br />Winningham, who has a beautiful voice, sings the songs live rather than lip-synching to a playback, which is the usual way songs are recorded for movies. This choice creates an immediacy that enhances the performance scenes. The contrast between the venues the sisters perform in reflects their standing in the music world. Georgia plays theaters with large, cheering audiences. Sadie scrounges for one-night stands in bars and is always on the road looking for the next gig. At one point, she fronts a band uncharacteristically playing at a Bar Mitzvah, enthusiastically bellowing “Hava Nagila” to the assembled guests. Though she customarily performs for drunks and an unappreciative audience, she puts her all into her singing and loves being on stage. She has the magnetism of a Janis Joplin but lacks the talent to back it up.<br /><br />Director Ulu Grosbard devotes most of the screen time to Sadie. The role is flamboyant and in your face, while the role of Georgia is quiet and subdued. Much of Winningham’s performance depends on her facial expressions and body language. We know exactly what Georgia is thinking when the camera cuts to a reaction shot. Georgia is always in control. Sadie goes with the flow. Sadie is family and Georgia will never abandon her, but she’s high-maintenance when she’s around. Georgia has established an emotional shield to protect herself and her family from Sadie’s vices.<br /><br />Written by Barbara Turner, the script traces the complicated relationship between Georgia and Sadie. Maybe because the script feels so authentic, there’s a feeling of disappointment when things don’t work out neatly. There’s never an assurance that Sadie will stay off alcohol and drugs or choose a practical path in life. Though not completely pessimistic, the film is open-ended.<br /><br />Sadie’s type of story has been told in other forms in other movies. “A Star Is Born,” “Leaving Las Vegas,” “Basketball Diaries,” and “Requiem for a Dream,” among other films, portray the horrors of addiction, so Sadie’s demons are familiar. Director Grosbard keeps Sadie at a distance and, though we can sympathize with her dependence, she’s not a likable individual. She is completely self-centered and her outlook on her life and talent is delusional. Presented as a freakish entity, Sadie is a voyeuristic centerpiece.<br /><br />Bonus materials on the R-rated Blu-ray release include an audio commentary, interviews, and theatrical trailer.<br /><br />“Georgia” looks at a sibling relationship complicated by drug abuse, unrealistic goals, and emotional dependency. Leigh and Winningham portray Sadie and Georgia as individuals dramatically dissimilar yet possessing insight into one another that only sisters could have.
The movie title "Georgia," available on Movies & TV, has received an average rating of 4.3 from 120 reviewers. 
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This title falls under the categories of Movies & TV, Featured Categories, Blu-ray and Drama. 
The additional details include the following in key-value format :
 {"Package Dimensions": "6.77 x 5.39 x 0.35 inches; 3.74 Ounces", "Director": "Ulu Grosbard", "Media Format": "Import", "Release date": "April 7, 2023", "Actors": "Jennifer Jason Leigh, Mare Winningham, Ted Levine, Max Perlich, John Doe", "Producers": "Jennifer Jason Leigh, Barbara Turner, Ann Turner, Robert N. Zagone, Ulu Grosbard", "Studio": "Imprint", "Number of discs": "1"}

Here is a brief synopsis of the title : THE TOUGHEST ACT TO FOLLOW IS AN OLDER SISTER.Georgia tells the story of two sisters - one talented, the other passionate and the rivalry that binds them together. Sadie (Leigh) is a rebel who aspires to rock stardom while her sister, Georgia (Winningham), is a gifted and already successful musician. Sadie, unwilling to give up her dreams struggles to make a name for herself in the shadow of her talented sister.From acclaimed director Ulu Grosbard (Straight Time) comes this underrated independent 90's film which includes stellar performances from Jennifer Jason Leigh and Mare Winningham who received a best supporting role Oscar nomination.Starring Jennifer Jason Leigh, Mare Winningham, Ted Levine, Max Perlich & John Doe.Worldwide first on Blu-ray!Special Features and Technical Specs:1080p High-definition presentation on Blu-ray from a 2K scan from the original negativeNEW Audio commentary by films historians Bryan Reesman & Max EvryOriginal Theatrical TrailerMore special features TBCAspect Ratio 1.85:1Audio English LPCM 2.0Optional English subtitlesLimited Edition slipcase on the first 1500 copies with unique artwork.