Coming Up Roses is a 2011 independent drama film written and directed by Lisa Albright. The movie follows the story of Alice (Bernadette Peters), a former actress who is struggling with her career, relationships, and mental health. Alice is a single mother, who is raising her 15-year-old daughter, Charlotte (Rachel Brosnahan).
Alice and Charlotte move from town to town, in search of better opportunities and a fresh start. However, Alice's personal problems and insecurities often get in the way of their plans. She is often moody and impulsive, which makes it difficult for her to hold down a job or maintain a stable home environment.
As the movie progresses, Alice's mental health deteriorates, and she becomes increasingly erratic and abusive towards her daughter. She also has several failed relationships, including one with a local businessman, who promises to help her get back into show business.
Despite the challenges, Charlotte remains loyal to her mother and tries to help her through her struggles. She is a talented singer, and Alice often uses her daughter's talent to gain attention and validation from others. However, as Charlotte grows older, she begins to question her mother's motives and the impact that their constant moving and instability is having on her own life.
Overall, Coming Up Roses is a poignant and powerful exploration of the complex relationship between a mother and daughter. It highlights the emotional toll that mental illness, poverty, and societal pressure can have on families and individuals. The movie is brought to life by outstanding performances from Bernadette Peters and Rachel Brosnahan, who deliver nuanced and raw portrayals of two women trying to navigate the challenges of life and love.