Housekeeping is a 1987 American comedy-drama film written and directed by Bill Forsyth, starring Christine Lahti, Sara Walker, and Andrea Burchill.
After being abandoned by their mother and raised by elderly relatives, the sisters are looked after by their eccentric aunt whose unconventional and unpredictable ways affect their lives.
Sylvie's unconventional behavior, which includes hoarding newspapers, allowing stray animals into the house, and spending long hours outdoors, initially captivates the sisters.
However, as time passes, Lucille begins to feel ashamed of Sylvie's odd habits and grows increasingly determined to fit in with her peers.
As Sylvie’s unusual parenting style and disregard for social norms attract the attention of town authorities, they question her fitness as a guardian and pressure her to conform.
Facing the threat of separation, Sylvie and Ruth decide to leave Fingerbone, ultimately choosing a life on the road, free from societal expectations.
Housekeeping was the first North American film by writer and director Bill Forsyth, whose previous films—That Sinking Feeling (1979), Gregory's Girl (1981), Local Hero (1983), and Comfort and Joy (1984)—were produced in Scotland.
Describing the story as "a kind of feminist version of Huckleberry Finn," he also praised all three of the film's main actresses and suggested that it "may have taken a Scotsman to show us the contemporary importance, the depths and radiance, of Robinson's novel.
"[14] Dave Kehr of the Chicago Tribune wrote that Forsyth had "intentionally undermined his usual whimsical style by burrowing down to the deepest assumptions and implications of its nonconformism" and applauded him for making such an "audacious departure."
[16] Canby noted that Forsyth was able to "make us care equally" for both sisters,[16] and called Lahti's performance "spellbinding" and "role of her film career".
Decades later, Ebert would host a special screening of Housekeeping at his annual film festival where Forsyth and Lahti participated in a post-screening discussion.