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Poster for The Event

The Event

Go in style.

2003 · 1h 54m · R Comedy, Drama
Directed by Thom Fitzgerald

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Overview

Manhattan prosecutor Nick is charged with looking into the untimely death of city resident Matt, a musician who had AIDS. As she questions Matt's loyal family members — mother Lila and sister Dana — she comes to learn that his closest pal, health-care worker Brian, is an ardent believer in assisted suicide and that he threw Matt a big party before his death. This presents a dilemma for the humane but dutiful Nick.

Director and cast

Critics on Rotten Tomatoes

Top critics, in their words

All reviews
42%
Tomatometer
Rotten

To make a movie in 2003, one that centers around AIDS but ignores the epidemic's current culprit, Africa, and toys melodramatically with scenarios steeped in the filmmakers' selfish nostalgia without any real point, is to ask us not to think at all.

Allison Benedikt, Chicago Tribune
Fresh

The performances of Olympia Dukakis as Matt's mother and Sarah Polley as his sister elevate The Event from melodramatic claptrap to sensitive drama.

Charles Ealy, Dallas Morning News
Rotten

A feminine hygiene commercial is by far the best thing here. Is that last item a curious thing to say about a film with such a weighty agenda? Exactly.

Janice Page, Boston Globe
Rotten

Despite its impeccable acting and subtle backdrop of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, The Event lets its message overwhelm its emotion.

Michael O'Sullivan, Washington Post
Rotten

Fails equally as lament and celebration.

Bob Campbell, Newark Star-Ledger

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