Emotions High In 'Reunion'

(CBS)  A gathering of old college friends often provides emotional release; such is the case with the new independent drama "Reunion."

Set in New York City, it features an ensemble cast of actors, ranging from Christopher McDonald ("Happy Gilmore," "Requiem For A Dream") to Amy Pietz (TV's "Caroline In The City") and focuses on a group of highly successful middle-aged Yale alum whose meeting after so many years apart results in a lot of self-analysis and mutual critiques.

Comparisons to past features, such as "The Big Chill," are unavoidable. Yet in an interview for CBSNews.com, "Reunion" screenwriter and director Alan Hruska insists that decades-old meeting of longtime friends couldn't be more different than his movie.

"Anytime you do a film about a reunion, you'll get references to other films," Hruska said. "It's a different era, different people, different considerations."

"I have hopes for these characters," said Hruska, who also studied at Yale and participated in a similar assembly of former classmates several years earlier. Throughout the course of the film, many of these former friends often appear narcissistic and even downright callous, but others make the point that this is just a form of brutally sincere honesty.

Hruska said the straightforwardness of this gang highlights the true affection and connectivity they have for one another. "This movie is about love, empathy, and the fulfillment and failure of dreams," the filmmaker revealed. Each shares a close bond with one another, as many had slept together and engaged in romantic relationships during their time at school.

"I think empathy is indispensible to a good, loving relationship," Hruska added.
This isn't typical tearjerker Hollywood fare. The filmmaker said that he wanted to portray realistic individuals who are all financially successful, yet lack the ability to find happiness.

This theme rings especially true in today's climate of fiscal hardships, causing many to wonder what really matters most. Feelings of doubt, redemption, grief, and guilt are all explored here. Eventually through their gathering, however, this group begins to look past social or financial successes to more important connections.

When discussing one of their friends, the group comes to the conclusion that he is too smart not to be happy. Indeed, perhaps we can all learn from that assessment.

"Reunion" is now playing in New York.
By Ken Lombardi

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