fried green tomatoes (1991)

Warm, funny, devastating, and full of heart, Fried Green Tomatoes is a staple in my home. I once put this on as a “feel-good” movie when my boyfriend lost a family member… he did not see it that way. He might have actually looked at me with glossy eyes to say, “Why are you doing this to me?” Whoops… people have different ideas of comfort, I guess. He did like the movie, though.

The characters are so lovable and complex. The score is a character of its own, doing so much of the emotional heavy-lifting. This might be my favorite role of Kathy Bates’, maybe because of her endearing vulnerability, maybe because she reminds me a bit of my grandma. I also love Mary Stuart Masterson and Mary-Louise Parker’s performances more and more every time I watch it.

This is a tale about resilience, womanhood, female relationships, and chosen family. It’s actually quite beloved in the LGBTQIA+ community due to the queer-coded relationship of two main characters. (Apparently, the novel confirms this while the film only gently implies.) But don’t be fooled, there is plenty of adventure in this movie - and even a murder.

For viewing, might I suggest a late afternoon with a good friend and some iced tea, windows open as the breeze and sunset light pours in. Or maybe over a dinner spread of southern food, or even by yourself at night with a bowl of soup.

“Secret’s in the sauce.”

- From Chey