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A Little Help

A Little Help is a 2010 American comedy-drama film written and directed by Michael J. Weithorn, starring Jenna Fischer in the lead role as Laura Pehlke, a dental hygienist whose life unravels following the sudden death of her husband from a heart attack.^[1] Set in suburban Long Island during the summer of 2002 in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks, the story follows Laura as she grapples with grief, excessive drinking, and the challenges of single parenthood while supporting her 12-year-old son Dennis's exaggerated lie about his father's death to cope with the tragedy.^[2] The film explores themes of mourning, self-deception, family dynamics, and personal redemption through a mix of humorous and empathetic moments.^[3] The supporting cast includes Daniel Yelsky as Dennis Pehlke, Chris O'Donnell as Bob (Laura's brother-in-law), Kim Coates as Mel Kaminsky, Lesley Ann Warren as Joan, and Brooke Smith as Kathy Helms, among others, portraying the web of relationships that complicate Laura's struggles.^[4] Weithorn, known for his work on television series like The King of Queens, drew from personal experiences in crafting the screenplay, which had its world premiere at the Seattle International Film Festival on May 21, 2010, before a limited theatrical release in the United States on July 22, 2011, distributed by Freestyle Releasing.^[2] With a runtime of 109 minutes, the production was handled by Secret Handshake Entertainment and filmed on location in New York.^[2] Upon release, A Little Help received mixed reviews from critics, earning a 40% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 42 reviews, with praise for Fischer's sympathetic performance but criticism for its uneven tone and predictable narrative.^[2] Audience reception was similarly divided, with a 30% score on the site from over 2,500 ratings, and an average IMDb user rating of 5.6 out of 10 from more than 3,600 votes.^[5] The film grossed $96,868 at the domestic box office, reflecting its limited commercial success.^[2] Despite this, it has been noted for its honest depiction of post-9/11 suburban life and emotional vulnerability.^[6]

Story and characters

Plot

Set in suburban Long Island during the summer of 2002, shortly after the September 11 attacks, A Little Help follows dental hygienist Laura Pehlke as she navigates profound personal upheaval following the sudden death of her husband, Bob, a real estate agent who suffers a fatal heart attack during an intimate moment.^[2]^[7] Their marriage had been strained by Bob's infidelity and Laura's suspicions of it, leaving her to grapple with grief compounded by financial instability and the demands of raising their 12-year-old son, Dennis.^[6]^[8] Laura's struggles intensify as she turns to alcohol to cope, facing relentless pressure from her dysfunctional family: her domineering mother, Joan, who insists on enrolling Dennis in a private school, and her controlling sister-in-law, Kathy, who urges a malpractice lawsuit against the emergency room doctor who treated Bob.^[7]^[6] Meanwhile, Dennis fabricates a lie at school, claiming his father was a heroic firefighter who perished in the World Trade Center attacks to garner sympathy and popularity among his peers; Laura, overwhelmed and seeking to shield him from judgment, reluctantly perpetuates the deception, leading to an awkward school memorial service that elevates their status temporarily but sows seeds of further complications.^[2]^[8] Amid this turmoil, Laura begins an affair with her brother-in-law, Paul, Kathy's husband, who confesses his long-held romantic feelings for her, providing fleeting emotional support but adding layers of guilt and family tension.^[6]^[7] As the lies unravel—culminating in a school crisis where Dennis's fabrication is exposed—Laura confronts her family's dysfunction in heated arguments, rejects the lawsuit, and ends the affair with Paul.^[6]^[8] In the resolution, Laura achieves a measure of self-acceptance and sobriety, rebuilding her bond with Dennis through honest communication and prioritizing her independence from familial interference, marking her gradual path toward healing in the shadow of loss.^[7]^[6]

Cast

Jenna Fischer stars as Laura Pehlke, a dental hygienist and recent widow grappling with grief amid turbulent family relationships.^[2]^[5] In supporting roles, Chris O'Donnell portrays Bob Pehlke, Laura's deceased husband seen in flashbacks.^[9] Daniel Yelsky plays their son, Dennis Pehlke.^[9] Brooke Smith appears as Kathy Helms, Laura's sister-in-law, and Rob Benedict as Paul Helms, her brother-in-law and Kathy's husband.^[9] Additional family members include Lesley Ann Warren as Joan Dunning, Laura's mother, and Ron Leibman as her father, Warren Dunning.^[9] Zach Page depicts Kyle Helms, the young son of Kathy and Paul.^[9] The ensemble cast underscores the film's exploration of familial tensions in a post-9/11 context.^[1]

Production

Development

Michael J. Weithorn, an Emmy-nominated television writer and creator known for sitcoms such as Family Ties and The King of Queens, made his feature film debut as writer and director with A Little Help.^[10]^[11] After over two decades in television comedy, Weithorn sought to transition to film by crafting a more intimate, character-driven "melancomedy" inspired by directors like Mike Leigh, Noah Baumbach, and Kenneth Lonergan, drawing from films such as You Can Count on Me.^[10]^[11] Weithorn began developing the script around 2005, motivated by his observations of suburban life on Long Island in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks, capturing a subtle undercurrent of emotional upheaval without centering on the event itself.^[11]^[12] The story incorporated semi-autobiographical elements, including the dynamics of dysfunctional Long Island families and the disorienting impact of sudden loss, reflecting an amalgam of people from Weithorn's upbringing in Port Washington, where he grew up after moving from Queens at age nine.^[12]^[11] These personal experiences with family tensions and grief informed the narrative's focus on ordinary struggles, allowing Weithorn to explore themes of imperfection and resilience in a post-9/11 suburban context.^[12]^[13] Early production faced significant challenges as an independent project, with Weithorn initially pitching a larger-scale version budgeted at $10-15 million that required an A-list star but collapsed due to mismatched creative visions and casting difficulties.^[12]^[10] Scaling back to a $2.5 million indie production enabled greater artistic control, though securing funding remained arduous amid economic uncertainties, marking a deliberate shift from Weithorn's commercial TV background to a more personal cinematic endeavor.^[12]^[11] Jenna Fischer became attached to the lead role early in development, aligning with Weithorn's vision for an authentic portrayal of everyday vulnerability.^[12]

Filming

Principal photography for A Little Help took place primarily in Long Island, New York, during 2009, capturing the film's authentic suburban milieu through various real-world sites including family homes, dental offices, bars, and the Long Island Expressway.^[14]^[12] Director Michael J. Weithorn, a native of the area, selected Port Washington—his high school hometown—for much of the shoot to authentically reflect the post-9/11 suburban rhythms central to the story's 2002 setting.^[12]^[3] The production operated as a low-budget independent film with an approximate $2.5 million budget, completing principal photography over a tight 24-day schedule in 2009.^[12]^[10] This compressed timeline relied on natural lighting and efficient location scouting to underscore the narrative's realistic tone, though it presented logistical hurdles such as inclement weather, union disputes with crew members, scheduling conflicts among cast, and even police interventions due to neighbor complaints during residential shoots.^[10] Cinematographer Thomas M. Harting employed a straightforward approach to emphasize emotional intimacy in the close-knit family dynamics, using available light to enhance the film's grounded, observational style.^[9]^[15] A notable on-set challenge involved coordinating scenes with child actor Daniel Yelsky, who portrayed the protagonist's son Dennis, requiring careful management of his hours and improvisational moments to maintain performance authenticity amid the indie production's demands.^[9] Weithorn's directorial vision, rooted in his television background, prioritized collaborative improvisation with the ensemble to blend comedic and dramatic elements seamlessly during these constrained shoots.^[12] In post-production, editor Joe Gressis focused on refining the footage to balance the film's tonal shifts between humor and pathos, ensuring the 109-minute runtime preserved the intimate pacing established on location.^[9]^[2] This editing process, completed by late 2009, highlighted key emotional beats while trimming excess to suit the independent release strategy.

Release

Film festivals and premiere

A Little Help had its world premiere at the Seattle International Film Festival (SIFF) on May 21, 2010, marking the debut of writer-director Michael J. Weithorn's feature film. The screening featured a question-and-answer session with the cast and crew, including lead actress Jenna Fischer, who drew attention for her portrayal of a grieving widow navigating personal and familial turmoil in the post-9/11 era. Critics and audiences at SIFF highlighted the film's authentic character-driven narrative and its blend of comedy and drama, positioning it as a strong entry in the festival's lineup of independent features seeking distribution.^[16]^[17] The film continued its festival run with subsequent screenings at several independent events. At the San Diego Film Festival in October 2010, A Little Help won the Best Feature award, with Weithorn accepting the honor on stage amid growing interest in its intimate exploration of loss and recovery. It was also shown at the Montréal World Film Festival from August 26 to September 6, 2010, where it competed in the World Competition section and earned praise for its poignant depiction of a single mother's struggles. Additional appearances included the Cinequest Film Festival in March 2011, further building its profile on the indie circuit.^[18]^[19]^[20] Festival audiences generated early buzz around the film's sensitive handling of themes like grief, family dysfunction, and resilience, often commending Fischer's nuanced performance and Weithorn's shift from television to cinema. Attendees at key events, such as SIFF and the San Diego Film Festival, noted the emotional resonance of the story's focus on everyday hardships, contributing to positive word-of-mouth that helped secure its path to wider release.^[17]^[21] Following its festival circuit, A Little Help received a limited theatrical premiere in the United States on July 22, 2011, opening in select theaters in New York and Los Angeles to capitalize on the momentum from indie screenings.^[22]

Distribution and box office

Following its festival premieres, A Little Help secured a U.S. distribution deal with Freestyle Releasing for a limited theatrical release starting on July 22, 2011.^[23] The film expanded to a peak of 24 theaters during its run, aligning with its independent production scale and target audience of drama enthusiasts.^[24] The movie's domestic box office performance totaled $96,868, with an opening weekend gross of $44,870, underscoring the challenges faced by low-budget indies in achieving wide commercial reach despite positive festival buzz.^[25] This modest earnings figure highlighted the film's niche appeal, primarily to viewers drawn to character-driven dramedies rather than mainstream blockbusters.^[24] Home media distribution began with a DVD release on October 25, 2011, through Image Entertainment, followed by availability on digital platforms in early 2012.^[26] By the mid-2010s, it became accessible for streaming on services such as Amazon Prime Video, expanding its reach to home audiences beyond initial theatrical limitations.^[27] Marketing efforts centered on leveraging Jenna Fischer's rising popularity from her role in The Office, positioning the film as a poignant post-network showcase for her dramatic talents, though constrained by the production's limited budget which restricted broader promotional campaigns.^[28]

Reception and legacy

Critical response

A Little Help received mixed reviews from critics, holding a 40% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 42 reviews, with an average score of 5.4/10.^[2] The film's critical reception highlighted its blend of comedy and drama, often praised for emotional authenticity but critiqued for tonal inconsistencies. Positive responses frequently commended Jenna Fischer's vulnerable performance as Laura Pehlke, portraying a flawed woman navigating personal crises with relatable depth. Roger Ebert awarded the film 3.5 out of 4 stars, lauding its "honest portrayal of imperfection" and depiction of post-9/11 suburban malaise, where everyday struggles are amplified by lingering national trauma.^[6] Other reviewers echoed this, noting Fischer's ability to convey quiet resilience amid chaos.^[29] Critics, however, pointed to an uneven tone that struggled to balance comedic elements with dramatic weight, resulting in moments that felt forced or unresolved.^[30] The plot was often described as predictable, with familiar tropes of deception and redemption lacking fresh insight, while supporting characters remained underdeveloped, serving primarily as foils rather than fully realized figures.^[31]^[29] Reviewers commonly explored themes of grief, family dysfunction, and personal resilience, appreciating how the narrative captures the quiet unraveling of suburban life. The 9/11 subplot, involving a family's fabricated story tied to the tragedy, was handled with sensitivity, avoiding exploitation while underscoring emotional isolation in the aftermath.^[6]^[30] The film's underperformance at the box office contributed to its limited visibility among audiences.^[24]

Accolades

A Little Help garnered recognition at several film festivals and industry awards, particularly for its overall achievement and direction. The film won the Best Feature Film award at the 2010 San Diego Film Festival, highlighting director Michael J. Weithorn's dramedy as a standout narrative entry.^[18] It received a nomination in the World Competition category at the 2010 Montréal World Film Festival, placing it among international contenders for competitive honors.^[32]

References

[1]
A Little Help
### Summary of A Little Help (2010) Overview
[2]
A Little Help - Rotten Tomatoes
Rating 40% (42) Discover reviews, ratings, and trailers for A Little Help on Rotten Tomatoes. Stay updated with critic and audience scores today!
[3]
A Little Help | Reviews - Screen Daily
Jul 7, 2011 · A film about mourning and self-discovery, this post-9/11 comedy-drama features a sympathetic performance from Jenna Fischer – best known as Pam on the US ...
[4]
A Little Help
### Cast List for "A Little Help" (2010)
[5]
A Little Help (2010) - IMDb
Rating 5.6/10 (3,640) A Little Help: You're No Match Music Video. Clip 4:22 · A Little Help: You're No Match Music Video. A Little Help: Kitchen. Clip 0:50 · A Little Help: Kitchen.
[6]
She's doing the best she damn well can movie review (2011)
Rating 3.5/4 · Review by Roger EbertJul 27, 2011 · A Little Help is about a woman who is very far from perfect, and that's why it's appealing. Laura limps through her days using Budweisers as a crutch.Missing: summary | Show results with:summary
[7]
A Little Help | Film Review - Spirituality & Practice
In the finale of A Little Help, we see the humble beginnings of Laura's spiritual maturation resulting from her need to accept responsibility for her own life.
[8]
A Little Help Reviews - Metacritic
Rating 54% (21) In the suburbs of Long Island, Laura Pehlke and Bob Pehlke are trapped in a loveless marriage as they struggle with the pervasive tension in the summer ...
[9]
A Little Help (2010) - Full cast & crew - IMDb
Cast ; Jenna Fischer · Laura Pehlke ; Jay Klaitz · Patient ; Daniel Yelsky at an event for A Little Help (2010). Daniel Yelsky · Dennis Pehlke ; Brooke Smith · Kathy ...
[10]
Director Michael J. Weithorn Discusses His New Film 'A Little Help'
Jul 27, 2011 · Icon recently caught up with him to discuss the origin of the project, the challenges involved with bringing it from script to screen, the ...Missing: development | Show results with:development
[11]
Filmmaker Gets A Little Help from Port Washington - Patch
Jul 13, 2010 · Michael J. Weithorn, comedy-writer and co-creator of the hit sitcom “King of Queens” talks about his debut film “A Little Help” screening at Long Island Film ...
[12]
Director Michael Weithorn Talks A Little Help
mostly in sitcoms, from “Family Ties”, “The Wonder Years” and “True Colors ...Missing: development | Show results with:development
[13]
Review: A Little Help | Newcity Film
Jul 27, 2011 · Released a month before the tenth anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, Michael J. Weithorn's low-budget comedy “A Little Help” asks the question ...
[14]
A Little Help (2010) - Filming & production - IMDb
Filming dates. It looks like we don't have any filming dates for this title yet. Be the first to contribute. Production dates. May 2009. Contribute to ...
[15]
'A Little Help' review: Fine star but forced drama - SFGATE
Jul 29, 2011 · Comedy-drama. Directed by Michael J. Weithorn. Starring Jenna Fischer and Chris O'Donnell. (R. 108 minutes. At Bay Area theaters.).
[16]
Jenna Fischer in 'A Little Help' • Page 3 of 3 - OfficeTally
Jul 22, 2011 · Here's Hanna's report and photos from the screening of 'A Little Help' at the Seattle International Film Festival on May 21 and 22, 2010.Missing: low independent
[17]
Deep SIFF: A Little Help - Three Imaginary Girls
... A Little Help, an engrossing dramedy from director Michael J. Weithorn that just made its world premiere at the Seattle Film Festival recently. Jenna ...
[18]
Top Picks from the San Diego Film Festival - TheWrap
Oct 5, 2010 · The five-day festival awarded Best Feature to the dramedy "A Little Help" starring Jenna Fischer ("The Office, 'Blades of Glory"). Director ...
[19]
Dispatches from the 34th Montreal World Film Festival
Sep 6, 2010 · Consider A Little Help, a moving, beautifully written drama starring The Office's wonderful Jenna Fischer as a suffering single mother whose ...
[20]
A Little Help - Cinequest
A Little Help ; Season: 2011 ; Director: Michael J. Weithorn ; Cinematography: Thomas Harting ; Cast: Jenna Fischer, Chris O'Donnell, Rob Benedict, Arden Myrin, ...
[21]
KATIE CHATS: SDFF, MICHAEL WEITHORN, A LITTLE HELP, 2010
Oct 27, 2012 · KATIE CHATS with Director/Screenwriter MICHAEL J. WEITHORN (THE KING OF QUEENS, FAMILY TIES) about his AWARD WINNING feature film "A LITTLE ...
[22]
Everything You Need to Know About A Little Help Movie (2011)
Rating 2.5 (4) A Little Help was a limited release in 2011 on Friday, July 22, 2011 in around 25 theaters. There were 6 other movies released on the same date, including ...
[23]
Freestyle takes US rights from Strategic on A Little Help - Screen Daily
Feb 12, 2011 · Alex Barder's LA-based Strategic Film Partners has secured US distribution for dramedy A Little Help through Freestyle Releasing.
[24]
A Little Help - Box Office Mojo
24 theaters. Release DateJul 22, 2011 - Aug 3, 2011. MPAAR. Running Time1 hr 45 min. GenresComedy Drama Romance. Widest Release24 theaters. IMDbPro See more ...
[25]
A Little Help (2011) - Box Office and Financial Information
Financial analysis of A Little Help (2011) including production budget, domestic and international box office gross, DVD and Blu-ray sales reports.
[26]
https://www.the-numbers.com/movie/Little-Help-A-%282011%29#tab=video-sales
[27]
Watch A Little Help | Prime Video - Amazon.com
Rating 3.5 (117) · 30-day returnsA dental hygienist gets entangled in a series of bizarre lies in order to take care of herself and her 12 year old son.
[28]
'A Little Help' With 'Office' Promotion from Jenna Fischer
Jul 20, 2011 · Fischer said success in acting or any endeavor has a far better chance of happening if one uses life as a training ground. The mere act of ...
[29]
https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/a-little-help-film-review-213523/
[30]
A Little Help: Film Review - The Hollywood Reporter
Jul 20, 2011 · Producers: Dena Hysell, Joe Gressis, Michael J. Weithorn. Director of photography: Tom Harting. Production designer: Kelly McGehee. Music: ...Missing: development | Show results with:development
[31]
A Little Help - Variety
Feb 22, 2011 · Jenna Fischer's sweetly addled appeal holds the center in indie feature “A Little Help,” from veteran sitcom writer-producer Michael J. Weithorn ...
[32]
'A Little Help,' With Jenna Fischer - Review' - The New York Times
Jul 21, 2011 · A Little Help” stars Jenna Fischer as a Long Island dental hygienist whose life is deteriorating around her.Missing: post- | Show results with:post-
[33]
A Little Help (2010) - Awards - IMDb
Jenna Fischer in A Little Help (2010). Awards. A Little Help. Jump to. Montréal World Film Festival (1), San Diego Film Festival (1), Hollywood Music In Media ...