there's a lot of emphasis on connection throughout the movie 50/50 and you've got to give it up to joseph gordon levitt's adam, for handling each relationship with a varying scale of tenderness and vulnerability. the first relationship is with adam's best friend kyle (a vulgar yet surprisingly heartfelt seth rogan). as much as kyle tries to keep things light by using adam's cancer as a catalyst for meeting girls, as the story unfolds his struggles with his friend's illness becomes clear.
adam's overbearing mother (anjelica huston) is also a complex character as she yearns for companionship via the balance of trying to take care of others. her dementia riddled husband doesn't provide her with much comfort and adam's constant dismissal has left her lonely, broken and in search for validation elsewhere.
but perhaps my favorite relationship throughout the film was adam's unconventional connection with his inexperienced therapist-in-training, a delicate and delightful anna kendrick as katherine. watching their various attempts at protecting each other is sweet and their general chemistry shines despite their characters awkward missteps and nervous trembles.
there's also interesting plot turns with adam's girlfriend and his chemo buddies but i won't giveaway much more. 50/50 is truly a beautiful story that highlights the value of life's little things, the power of loved ones and the importance of a well-placed seth rogan dick joke.
-t
