The scene unfolds as Adam prepares to share his daunting cancer diagnosis with his parents, alongside Rachael. Anjelica Huston, portraying Diane, steps out of her car and onto the curb, warmly greeted by her son. "Hi, Mom," Adam says.
"Hi, honey," Diane responds, moving in for a big hug.
Yet, it's evident from Adam's stiff posture and hesitant pat on his mom's back—using just the tips of his fingers—that he's far from comfortable. This awkward embrace, combined with Adam's forced smile and subtle eye rolls, injects a dose of humor into the tension of the moment.
The crew, observing this exchange, can't help but let out a chuckle. Lucas's portrayal of Adam—managing to be both humorous and painfully awkward in the presence of his doting mother—captures the essence of their strained relationship, adding a layer of realism and relatability to the scene.
Then, Serge Houde, taking on the role of Richard, Adam's father, appears behind Diane. At first glance, Richard seems just like any other middle-aged man. But a closer look reveals the unmistakable signs of Alzheimer's, subtly distorting his grasp on reality. He reaches out to shake Adam's hand.
Just as Adam is about to warmly greet him with a "Hi, Dad," Richard introduces himself as if meeting Adam for the first time: "Hi, I'm Richard."
Diane gently prods Richard, reminding him, "This is Adam -- your son. Remember?"
Adam, trying to navigate the awkwardness, shakes his dad's hand, managing a tender, "Nice to meet you... again, Dad," paired with a fleeting, melancholic smile. The smile quickly gives way to a sense of loss as he gives Richard's shoulder a comforting pat, weaving a thread of heartfelt sorrow into their greeting.
From her vantage point on the porch, Rachael offers a cheerful, "Hi!" Her greeting slices through the tense atmosphere, but Diane, ever the diplomat, nods and waves back with a politeness that masks her inner thoughts as she continues towards the house with Adam.
Curiosity lacing her voice, Diane probes, "So, what's the big news?" Adam's response comes with a hint of hesitation. "It's nothing... I'll tell you inside."
Casting a glance back at Rachael, still standing in the distance, Diane ventures a guess, "She's not pregnant, is she?"
At this, Adam halts abruptly, the words catching him off guard. He whirls around, an exasperated "Mom!" escaping him. Diane chuckles softly, adding, "I know, I know, you use protection."
Adam's face reddens, a mix of embarrassment and disbelief at the conversation's turn. He holds her gaze for a moment longer before shaking his head in disbelief and marching towards the house.
Diane, trailing behind, comments on the peeling paint on Adam's porch. "You really should speak to your landlord about painting this." Adam dismissively replies, "It's fine," his patience thinning as he rolls his eyes and steps inside.
Undeterred, Diane insists, "Just give me his number, and I'll handle it." Her attention then shifts to a striking abstract painting hanging above the TV. "That's new," she observes.
Adam, with a flicker of pride, responds, "Rachael made it for me... It's called 'Oppression'." Rachael, overhearing, quickly corrects him, "Liberation."
Adam corrects himself with a sheepish grin, "That's right, 'Liberation'. 'Oppression' is in the bathroom." Diane attempts to muster a smile, striving to appear impressed by the art. "Nice," she manages, while Rachael accepts the compliment with a gracious "Thank you."
***
As the cameras rolled in Adam's dining room, the setting was laid back—a simple pizza dinner. Diane passed Richard a handful of pills, which he swallowed with a grateful smile. Something in the atmosphere felt off to Diane, prompting her curiosity.
"What's the occasion?" she asked, piercing the quiet. Adam, weighed down by his news, hesitated. He needed her to promise to keep her cool, signaling the seriousness of what he was about to say. Diane, lightly brushing off his concern, promised to stay calm, unaware of the storm about to hit.
With a burdened soul, Adam let the truth spill, "I have cancer." Diane's disbelief forced Adam to confirm the heartbreaking reality, sending her into a state of shock and denial. She couldn't fathom how or when this nightmare had entered their lives.
Adam's regret for not sharing sooner only intensified Diane's worry. Her maternal instincts kicked in—she insisted on moving in to care for him, brushing aside Adam's attempts to reassure her, given her own challenges, especially with Richard's condition.
Rachael offered a lifeline, volunteering to accompany Adam to his appointments. Diane, overcome by a wave of emotions, was momentarily paralyzed, her twitching finger betraying her internal turmoil.
Seeking some control in the chaos, Diane retreated to the kitchen to make green tea, latching onto a snippet from "The Today Show" about its supposed cancer-preventing benefits. Adam followed, trying to anchor her back to reality with a gentle reminder that prevention was no longer an option for him.
The scene culminates in a heartfelt embrace between Adam and Diane in the kitchen, as Diane finally allows herself to break down and weep, a poignant acknowledgment of Adam's diagnosis and the uncertain road ahead.
This scene moved Will to tears, and he wasn't alone; several crew members were visibly affected as well. For Will, the impact was particularly profound, given that the movie was inspired by his own life experiences. Watching the depiction of the struggle with a devastating illness like cancer resonated deeply, reminding him of the personal challenges and emotional turmoil he had endured. The authenticity and raw emotion captured in the scene struck a chord, highlighting the universal pain and resilience found in battling such a harrowing disease.
After a brief pause, the scene came to a close with Jonathan's cue, marking a moment of collective reflection among the cast and crew who had witnessed the emotional depth of the performance.
The actors stepped out of their roles, but the residue of the characters' emotions lingered, blending with their own. Eyes that had remained focused and professional throughout the shoot were now glistening, some dabbing away tears discreetly, others letting them freely flow.
The actors being slightly affected by the drama of their scene is nothing new, after all, diving deep into the complexities of their characters and embodying their emotional journeys is a fundamental part of their craft. Immersion into a role often requires accessing and portraying a wide range of emotions, from joy to despair, making it a common occurrence for actors to feel the residual effects of their performances.