Revisiting classics: 1998 family drama Stepmom

? Nothing says Thursday night in quite like a cinematic blast from the past. This week, we’re kicking off our indoor weekend activities by watching the 1998 classic family drama Stepmom. Starring Julia Roberts, Susan Sarandon, and Ed Harris, Stepmom follows a dysfunctional family as it attempts to put itself back together, not knowing that disaster is about to strike.

What’s this family up to? Jackie (Sarandon) and Luke (Harris) have been divorced for quite a few years, and their kids — Anna and Ben — aren’t fans of Luke’s new partner, Isabel (Roberts). Yet, Jackie begins to encourage a relationship between her kids and their father’s partner — an unusual dynamic, yet a necessary one. You see, Jackie has terminal cancer, and she wants to make sure her children have a mother figure in their lives once she’s gone.

Tough shoes to fill: As Jackie comes to terms with her diagnosis, she begins warming up to Isabel, whom she initially resented. Jackie shows Isabel all the ropes, and lets her in on her children’s lives. The pair could not be more different — one a fashion photographer, and the other a stay-at-home mom — yet they’re brought together over their love for Anna, Ben, and Luke.

Ain’t no mountain high enough. As the truth comes out and the family is faced by the harsh reality, Jackie’s final efforts are turned towards her children, spending whatever time she has left in their company. This leaves for a series of heartwarming and heartshattering scenes, laden with uncomfortable tear-inducing conversations. From Karaoke nights singing Marvin Gaye with her son to late night horseback riding sessions with her daughter, Stepmom is an emotional supernova.

From the dialogue to the cinematography, the film is a masterpiece — and one that does not get its flowers as often as it should. It’s not a sappy drama nor an unrealistic one. The 1998 film is raw, honest, and unapologetic. No truth is sugarcoated, and the grief feels genuine. Among our favorite ‘90s movies, Stepmom is one we find ourselves coming back to time and time again, and one you should check out if you haven’t before.

WHERE TO WATCH: You can rent Stepmom on Apple TV for EGP 29.99, or buy it for EGP 139.99. Catch the trailer on YouTube (runtime: 2:44).