The character of Marion in Another Woman epitomizes the ultimate state of an inwardly focused person. The world shrinks constantly until becomes the point inside their mind. Marion does not see herself as others see her - many among us could relate to that but we likely don't suffer from the extreme form of the malaise. She has her reasons to be the way she is and overhearing some chance conversation between a patient and their therapist ends up unraveling her life.
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That turns out to be a blessing for her because it allows her to relate to people as opposed to stand away and apart observing them. She begins to participate in life. Turning fifty might have provided the needed impetus for change, accepting the mistakes of the past and making peace with them. Marion's encounter with her one time best friend Claire and the events that unfold from there was one of my favorite parts of the movie.
As someone who has experienced the loss of many friendships since childhood, I wondered if there was a lesson for me somewhere. Maybe I came across or did things that triggered the drift. Maybe I was too caught up with my own problems to pay attention to how others felt. Working under the assumption that I was a decent person it never occurred to me that I could be the one at fault. Notwithstanding, I have been lucky to have a few steadfast friendships in my life that have stood the test of time - these are people who have no problem telling me the truth no matter how unpleasant and unflattering it is. They are the reason I have not lost my center despite many failings and missteps.
