Lou (ATOM Study Guide)

Lou is a tender story about the relationship between eleven-year-old Lou and her grandfather. Not long after Lou's father walks out of her life, her irascible and befuddled grandfather, Doyle, crashes in. But when her grandfather comes to stay, Lou discovers, against all her expectations, the healing power of love.

Synopsis

Eleven-year-old Lou's life was instantly turned upside down when her father walked out on her mother and two sisters ten months earlier. Feeling abandoned, she copes by building a tough shell around her heart, afraid to let anyone hurt her again. Lou blames her mother for her father's departure and refuses to let her get close.

Life suddenly becomes more interesting when her estranged grandfather moves in to the family's rickety, rented home. Doyle brings chaos with him, not least because he is ill and befuddled – living largely in the past.

In his confused state, Doyle mistakes his granddaughter for his long-departed wife, showering her with attention in an attempt to win her affections. Lou, intrigued, plays along with the fantasy, using her bond with Doyle against her mother.

As the game progresses, Lou begins to experience genuine care from Doyle. Her tough shell begins to be chipped away and Lou ultimately understands what it is to be loved – in the most unexpected of circumstances.

Curriculum Guidelines

Lou is a film that would be enjoyed by middle and senior secondary students in the following subject areas:

• English and Literature
• Health and Personal Development
• Community and Family Studies
• Psychology
• Values Education
• Film Studies