It’s harshest critics have suggested that Cake mainly served as a vehicle to get Jennifer Aniston an Oscar nomination – and it sadly failed in this respect, although garnering the actress Golden Globe and SAG Award nominations. Aniston is truly impressive here, but there is much more to enjoy in this emotionally-raw indie.
Aesthetically Cake has an air of lightness about it – it’s breezy and dreamlike in its presentation of a realistic Los Angeles that blends with Claire’s pill-induced hallucinations creating an original and vibrant visual potency. An emerald green haze surrounding Claire’s pool or repeated dreams of jumping to her death present both the fantastical side of hallucinogenic drugs and the bleak realities that come with the addiction – giving us a real insight into the troubled psyche of our protagonist.
Aniston is outstanding here in a performance that inspires all sorts of clichéd terms like ‘brave’ and ‘uncompromising’ – but these labels are completely apt for such a turn. Claire’s initially hard demeanour of the cold, cynical and depressed addict is deeply engaging – especially when we see the kindness and warmth break through her defences. Barraza is equally magnificent as a woman committed to her employer’s well-being despite her gradually dwindling patience. Supporting appearances from Anna Kendrick, Sam Worthington, Felicity Huffman, and William H. Macy all prove effective.
Cake may not have got Aniston her Oscar nomination, but it is a film that she should be proud of. Cake is a gorgeously penned character piece that hits all the right emotional nerves and presents an actress capable of great things.
★★★★
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