Dale Dickey has been an integral part of many movies and TV shows, and yet there are far too few projects that see her take centre stage. Thankfully, writer and director Karl R. Hearne understands Dickey’s true potential and has placed her at the front of his new film, The G.
Dickey stars as the titular G, or Ann, a seventy-two year old woman who spends her time trying to look after her sick husband, whilst drinking and smoking. Visited often by her step-granddaughter Emma (Romane Denis), Ann’s life is very simple and mundane. However, after a routine check-up at the hospital, Ann and her husband are whisked away under the care of a strange man called Rivera (Bruce Ramsay) who claims to be their guardian. Ann is a less than compliant ward, with a dark past and darker connections. After Rivera goes a step too far, a furious hellfire is unleashed.
Dickey is utterly compelling as Ann and it feels as though this is the role that she has been working towards all of her career. There are little flecks of almost all of her past roles, combining to become the ultimate hardened matriarchal figure. Ann is a no nonsense bitter old woman. Far from the cutesy idealised version of a grandmother, Ann swears like a sailor and harnesses a punk rock spirit. It is the latter that is reflected back by Emma. These two women compliment one another beautifully, Emma a chip off of Ann’s block, but one that hasn’t yet been fully tainted by the harshness of life. Watching the two navigate their own journeys forms the brunt of The G and the contrasting of the younger and older generation makes for fascinating viewing.
In addition to the stellar performances, Hearne’s script is tight and punchy. Ann is a woman of few words and Hearne has chosen those wisely. Even in brief exchanges, it is clear to understand Ann’s character, drives, and vendetta mission. The G is not a film that gets bogged down by an outpouring of information. Just enough is provided to keep the viewer on the same page and the lack of needless exposition is welcomed. Most importantly, The G does not hang around long enough to grow stale. Much like the pragmatic Ann, The G wastes no time in getting to its conclusion and once there, it ties itself off nicely.
The idea itself – old people being rounded up by guardians looking to drain their resources – is a chilling concept. Worse still, it is a ‘business model’ employed by some in the real world. Many are unaware of this black market tradition, and by watching The G, hopefully some eyes will be opened so that perhaps some elderly people can be spared this tragic fate.
Films of wronged elderly people seeking vengeance have become a somewhat lucrative strand of movies. However, these stories are almost exclusively centred on male protagonists. By focusing on a female lead, The G explores the other side of ageing, and proves what we all know – grandmothers are the toughest people on the planet. Hearne also opts to not shy away from showing life of someone approaching their twilight years. The G isn’t afraid to show old age in all its glory and even includes a love scene or two, because despite what Hollywood would have you believe, sex isn’t just for the young. All of these different shades and hues layer together to create a complex crime thriller that might just help reinvent the mould.
The G
Summary
The fruits of Dale Dickey’s long career are harvested in The G, creating an absorbing tale of regret, revenge, and Dickey at the top of her game.
The G was reviewed at Glasgow Film Festival 2024.
