Genre: Drama, Comedy
Directed by: Liz Sargent
Starring: Anna Sargent, Ali Ahn, Victor Slezak
Release Date: September 23, 2026
Platform: Theatrical (Limited Release)
Star Rating: 4.5/5
By Crystal Justine
“The emotional impact of this film is one that will stick with you.”
Winner of the 2026 Nashville Film Festival Mary Jane Coleman Award, TAKE ME HOME is a wholesome, yet heartbreaking film about family. Written and directed by Liz Sargent, the story is inspired by her own family which heavily focuses on its main character, Anna, played by her real-life sister, Anna Sargent. Easily the best film of the festival having the audience in tears from both laughter and sadness.
TAKE ME HOME is a story about an unconventional family navigating life. When parents have children, the running joke is typically that they’re on their own when they turn eighteen, but that’s simply not the case for all families. Anna and her sister are Korean adoptees raised by a Caucasian couple in Florida. Emily (Ali Ahn) goes off to live her own life, but at 38 years old, Anna (Anna Sargent) is still living with her parents due to a cognitive disability. The catch is that their parents are getting older, so Anna is now caring for them just as much as they’ve cared for her.
The film is beautifully shot. Both the direction and aesthetic showcase Liz Sargent’s talent for capturing the beauty of humanity in all it’s expected and unexpected chaos. There is a beauty in the simplicity of this film, where it gives the audience breathing room to truly take in its emotional weight. Based on this film alone, Liz Sargent has what it takes to be among writer-directors like Celine Song, Chloe Zhao or Sean Baker, all of whom have a knack for highlighting what it means to be human.
Thematically speaking, TAKE ME HOME has a lot to say, and it tackles each subject thoughtfully without spoon-feeding the audience. Caregiving is a major theme due to the circularity of life itself. Our parents raise us when we’re young and helpless, but in turn, children care for their parents later in life as they slow down, weaken and eventually take their forever rest. Whether it’s caring for a newborn, someone with a disability, or the elderly, caregiving is exhausting and sometimes frustrating. So why do it? Love.
Although family and caregiving are huge parts of the story, the film also touches on the broken healthcare system, the complexity of sisterhood, and those with disabilities. The word “disabled” seems to always carry a shadow or negative connotation, but Anna gives the word a cape and turns it into a superpower. Anna is hands down the star of this film, delivering an outstanding performance. When she’s frustrated, the audience feels her irritation. When she’s going through grief, the audience cries with her. When she says something hilarious, which happens often, the audience bursts into laughter.
The only downfall of this film comes from pure selfishness as an audience member wanting more. The characters are amazing, and seeing more of the relationship between Anna and Emily would have been a treat. The third act feels a bit rushed in comparison to the first two acts, but that’s nitpicking. It would have been a pleasure to spend another ten to fifteen minutes with Anna through her journey, but the movie is still incredible as it is.
A film like TAKE ME HOME is one that needs to be seen. The film is important and touching, with so much to say. Beautiful movies that pull at the heart strings and make you want to spend more time with loved ones only come around every so often. The emotional impact of this film is one that will stick with you, so hopefully more will get to see this phenomenal film with either a wide theatrical release or on streaming. Until then, big things are hopefully on the horizon for both Liz and Anna Sargent.
