source: As Sick as They Made Us

I love Mayim Bialik. Love her. I also am a big fan of Candice Bergen and Dustin Hoffman. But, this melancholy, cringe worthy film just wasn't for me. I was disappointed because there was so sadness and little resolution. Critics and some on here seem to love "As They Made Us" for just that reason. I am sorry but it didn't do anything for me. I did appreciate the solid acting by a wonderful cast. I think the choppy storytelling style was annoying and made the film even harder to follow. Hoping Mayim finds a more joyful story to tell next time.

A good first effort Ms. Bialik ! A quadruple dose of mental illness! How do you break the family cycle? Is it part of our DNA? The credits posted that the story and characters were fictitious but many will identify with the family estrangement - necessary for self-care , the care and responsibility of our aging parents and conflicts we face with them. The acting was good and ending seemed encouraging and hopeful.

Just a regular story about life, chapters, transitions, focused on how one Jewish gal apparently leans into her faith to make it through (we are left to assume). Well worth the watch even if you are not Jewish. Also, kudos MB for such a daring, bold move, not only P+D, but also WRITING. Well done. IHS.

The writing alone is fantastic, but add on the wonderful ensemble cast and youre a for an emotional exploration of which there are few better in the last few years. Diana Agron is the central character, and is just wonderful, and deserves accolades for the performance she puts in, its good to see her in a great post-glee role. She has such a presence, and even her voice is as warm and beautiful as she appears. Simon Hedberg as the estranged brother likewise gets a good opportunity here to show us his post geek potential. Not sure i need to single Mr Hoffman out at this stage in his career, he puts in what you expect, complete with humour and grace. Ms Bergen is just great, as the matriach, doing so well with the material that you will probably dislike her character (immensely) The film feels well paced and recollections and flashbacks to me at least seemed perfectly timed to explain characters reactions to circumstances through the film. If this is Mayim Bialiks first outing, then i cant wait for the second....

Wow! Mayim has written the story so well and the character have some deep connections that just make you tear up. A must watch. The actors have portrayed the roles so well!! Such a wonderful piece of art.

Mayim Bialik clearly put so much of her heart into this film. The characters are familiar because it is so easy to connect to them. We all know a Eugene, a Barbara, and maybe we are a Nathan or an Abigail. The story feels true to life as it has touches of humor among the heartache. The cast has a rich chemistry. Dianna Agron carries so much of the emotional weight of the film, but does so effortlessly. Candice Bergen brings much of the humor and a lot of the tension. Dustin Hoffman is as good as ever. And Simon Helberg showcases his deep talent that is too often overlooked. I was happy to see him play such a complex character, and he does so beautifully. Give it a watch if you're on the fence. But prepare to think about your family and upbringing once it's over.

Mayim Bialik's directorial debut is so relatable that it is painful to watch in parts. We've all experienced most of these characters and family dynamics in some way and they can trigger old memories or unfinished business. I felt the cast was amazing and acting superb! Candace Bergen and Dustin Hoffman took me back to my childhood through young adulthood effortlessly. They both deserve Oscar nominations. Losing a loved one to a terminal illness is just like this film depicts and it's painful. Yet, there are moments of levity and stolen experiences of witnessing and interconnecting as that person transitions through death that can never be taken away. We see Abigail, Norman, and Barbara each process this in their own ways. They are precious and difficult and wondrous. It has all the feels of real life because for many of us it is as real as it gets. Forgiveness and love, despite past and current disfunction need to happen as part of the process. As exhausting as it all plays out while one tries to continue coping we then must pick up and move on to handle the funeral, financial responsibility, dealing with family and friend survivors who are processing the same emotional turmoil, managing the will, and moving on through the grief. Mayim shows us just enough of being the "hero" child and trying to move on and out of that to know there is hope for change.

Can't sleep? Well they made a movie just for you. Start this movie and you will be out like a light halfway through. Even thinking about this mess is already making my eyes heavy. Stay away if you want to be entertained.

A moving, touching, poignant and often funny portrayal of a troubled family dealing with current (and historic) tragedy. The acting is incredible from a stellar cast. The writing and directing (from first-time writer/director Mayim Bialik) is impressive as well. I highly recommend this movie.