Susan Muska and Gréta Ólafsdóttir's Edie & Thea essentially makes a plea for the recognition of same-sex marriage, but makes its case subtly, focusing on Edith Windsor and Thea Spyer, both in their late 70s, who lived together for more than four decades. The film consists of their lengthy reminiscences about how they met, fell in love, and shared the joys and sorrows of life—personal stories that are illustrated with photographs as well as archival footage. Many of the memories are happy ones; others less so, including hostile reactions from family members, and the course of Thea's debilitating battle with multiple sclerosis. Edie and Thea's story is integrated into a mini-history of the advance of gay and lesbian rights in the U.S., but the culmination of the titular subjects' narrative remains the focus. In 2007, the pair traveled to Toronto and were married under a Canadian law that allows nonresident same-sex couples to wed. Edie & Thea is a touching testament to one couple's love, but also a rebuke to those who continue to work to prevent devoted partners from having their commitment legally recognized. DVD extras include an interview with Judge Harvey Brownstone, a featurette with Edie and the directors on the festival circuit, a brief conversation with Edie, and more. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (F. Swietek)
Edie & Thea: A Very Long Engagement
(2010) 61 min. DVD: $24.99. Breaking Glass Pictures (avail. from most distributors). Volume 26, Issue 2
Edie & Thea: A Very Long Engagement
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