In addition to its acting wins, it received the Humanitas Prize for its meaningful writing.
Watch a detailed breakdown of the film's impact and the awards it won for its realistic portrayal of autism:
The film explores how Sally’s obsessive care has alienated her from her husband and her daughter, Susan, who eventually leaves to live with her father.
The film is bolstered by strong performances from Stockard Channing as Sally's witty sister, Bea, and Sam Waterston as John, a kind man who attempts to enter Sally's guarded world. Story and Themes
The plot follows Sally's struggle to keep David "out of the system" after years of dodging social workers.
The heart of the film is Kirstie Alley’s powerhouse performance, which earned her an Emmy Award for Lead Actress .
Alley portrays Sally as a "ferociously angry" and fiercely protective mother who has isolated herself from the world to care for David. Reviewers from Entertainment Weekly noted her ability to make the character seem mean, pathetic, or even wrong, without losing the audience's empathy.