Key Takeaways
- Fonda and Tomlin reunite: Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin star in "Moving On," a dark comedy about two friends seeking revenge on a mutual friend's husband, showcasing their undeniable chemistry.
- Complex issues explored: The film delves into various gender-related issues, including sexual violence and transphobia, with a subplot involving Tomlin's character and a young child named James.
- On-screen friendship history: Fonda and Tomlin's on-screen friendship dates back to the 1980 film "9 to 5," and their dynamic continues to evolve in "Moving On."
- Real-life dynamic duo: Off-screen, Fonda and Tomlin have become an iconic feminist institution, often supporting shared causes and collaborating on projects.
- Collaboration history and future possibilities: "Moving On" is the third collaboration between Tomlin and director Paul Weitz, and Tomlin has expressed interest in reviving "9 to 5" with Weitz at the helm.
In their third feature-length chapter, Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin reunite for a dark comedy titled “Moving On,” directed and written by Paul Weitz.
The film showcases the duo’s undeniable chemistry as they play life-long friends who come together in California for the funeral of a mutual best friend.
The plot thickens when Fonda’s character, Claire, reveals her plans to murder her friend’s husband, Howard (played by Malcolm McDowell).
Tomlin’s character, Evvie, shares her own reasons for wanting Howard gone, and the two form a partnership to eliminate him once and for all.
Delving into Complex Issues
“Moving On” explores various issues related to gender, including sexual violence and transphobia.
Tomlin, who came out as a lesbian in 2015, believes positive representation in film can change the world, even as attacks on queer culture continue to mount.
The film also features a heartwarming subplot involving Tomlin’s character, Evelyn, and a young child named James, played by Marcel Nahapetian.
“Moving On” is the third collaboration between Tomlin and Weitz, who previously worked together on the 2015 Sundance abortion dramedy “Grandma.”
A Long-Standing On-Screen Friendship
Fonda and Tomlin’s on-screen friendship dates back to their roles in the 1980 feminist workplace comedy “9 to 5,” alongside country music legend Dolly Parton.
Over the years, the pair has honed their dynamic, with Tomlin’s brash wildcard characters winning over and radicalizing Fonda’s more conservative roles.
This dynamic continues to play out in “Moving On,” as Claire (Fonda) and Evvie (Tomlin) join forces to exact their revenge on Howard.
A Real-Life Dynamic Duo
Off-screen, Fonda and Tomlin’s relationship is somewhat reversed, with Fonda often driving the duo’s professional and political agenda in interviews.
Tomlin, on the other hand, is enthusiastic and supportive of their shared causes. The two actresses have become an iconic feminist institution in their own right.
A History of Collaboration and Future Possibilities
“Moving On” is the third collaboration between Tomlin and Weitz, who previously worked together on the 2015 Sundance abortion dramedy “Grandma.”
Tomlin has reportedly expressed interest in reviving “9 to 5” and would like Weitz to take on the project.
While “Moving On” is not a perfect film, it provides a pleasurable way to spend an hour and a half, showcasing the skill and craft of two legendary actresses.
The movie’s exploration of complex gender-related issues, combined with the undeniable on-screen chemistry between Fonda and Tomlin, makes it a noteworthy addition to their impressive body of work.
