Ashamedly, getting past the fact of Alma's financial and family security that allows her to do as she does; getting past envy that OF COURSE aboriginal women would recognize her pain as a woman and mother and bring her into the fold; and OF COURSE, a dolphin communes with her - as though any of that would happen to me: I love this movie.
There is one great flaw: the terrible miscasting of Gerry Connolly has 'Alma's' son, 'Hank'. Miscasting and bad direction finally caused this viewer, (and this is a film I watch repeatedly), to learn more about him. The character is supposed to be a native of Maine. I thought he looked and sounded Middle Eastern. (I don't just think it - he does. Even his shirts are more Middle Eastern. They're certainly not Maine).
'Hank' is only briefly seen, but is so wrong, it really throws me. 'Alma' even looks at a photograph of her deceased husband, and he is dark-haired - and come to think of it - did they use a photo of Connolly for this? Even so, the only way 'Hank' could be the son of 'Alma' and her deceased husband, would be if he was adopted. And then that would be fine. Maybe there is a back story that is hidden from viewers. Then, too, 'Hank' seems an automaton, and with zero feelings for his mother, 'Alma', and, she - none for him.
Ultimately, viewers learn that 'Alma's' husband was domineering. (No wonder 'Alma' had to flee to her daughter in Australia.
The rest of the cast and casting and acting is excellent. The scenes are often, dynamite.
