Comparisons are easy between friends and within peer groups, but the comparison that is most immediate is that between you and your sibling, especially when they wound up more successful than you are. Hilary and Jackie captures that experience between two real-life musical sisters, but the comparison is so much more difficult as Jackie shot to cellist superstardom, even with under the same musical beginnings as her less known sister Hilary. It’s flawed, but it’s deeply personal, diving into their shared anxieties from two different lives, and it’s surprisingly well-rounded, perfectly halved between the sisters’ perspectives led excellently by Rachel Griffiths and Emily Watson. Hilary and Jackie is not comfortable to watch, especially during Jackie’s later years, but it’s a daring portrait of a difficult, but still loving, sibling relationship.

Being based on real people, Hilary and Jackie drew controversy for Jackie’s portrayal from her family, friends, and loved ones, with the real-life Hilary having to write an op-ed defending the film. Part of the controversy makes sense, with the film only depicting the tough moments of Jackie’s multiple sclerosis. However, watching this 25 years later, the controversy feels a bit undeserved, especially since it’s clear that it’s been shaped from Hilary’s perspective.