IRENE & MARIE is a beautiful short drama about the relationship between two older friends of Greek Orthodox faith.
Marie, played by Academy Award Winner Olympia Dukakis, is in church at the opening of the film “cramming for my big final” she states while looking at the altar.
We meet Nick, played by the late Louis Zorich (Dukakis’ real life husband from 1962-2018). Nick has a very ill wife at home. Irene, played by Rose Gregorio, has lost her husband. Nick and Irene are smitten with each other. Marie is against their affections.
The film taps into illness and loss and how each of us deals with it – privately and publicly. One of the greatest lines in the film comes from Irene, “we’re all sick right… you do what you can”.
Written and Directed by Alex Thompson, this film in only 12 minutes, richly defines these characters and their relationships. It also brings the moral/religious element to the table. It clearly states the need for all of us to connect – in our darkest times.
Olympia Dukakis and Rose Gregorio hand out stellar performances. The supporting cast are also wonderful, including Academy Award Nominee Burt Young, who plays Marie’s husband.
IRENE & MARIE is now streaming on AMAZON PRIME VIDEO.
