听 
"Tumbleweeds" is only part of a longer journey of emotional turmoil that reaches a crucial peak in California. 'Inspired by true events', this is a heart-warming small snapshot of two lives at a junction that forks either to despair or happiness.
Within the opening minutes we're armed with the path of the movie through a sadly predictable situation. Mary Jo (Janet McTeer) is edging round a kitchen while her angry boyfriend hurls both abuse and objects at her. She makes her escape, along with her asthmatic young daughter Ava (Kimberly J Brown). Out on the road with only a few possessions, it isn't long before the car breaks down. Enter helpful, hunky lorry driver Jack (Gavin O'Connor) and before you can blink, Mary Jo is batting her eyelids at the next potential boyfriend.
Quickly, they're shacked up together, much to the despair of Ava who's seen it all before. Now based in the lovely town of Starlight Beach, California, at least Ava is able to spend some time in a good school and is soon trying to master both Shakespeare and boys. But as Mary Jo and Jack's relationship starts to crumble, it looks like it will be time to move on again.
In truth, this is an unremarkable story. What turns it into such an affecting and charming movie are the remarkable performances. Based largely on a cast of unknowns, each delights with a genuine sincerity and wit that radiates throughout the film.
Janet McTeer is saucily frank and engaging as the sassy Mary Jo. Kimberly J Brown is a revelation as her smart and funny daughter who amounts to the one good thing in Mary Jo's life and her possible salvation. Directed with pace and humour by Gavin O'Connor (who also plays Jack), he avoids plunging into sentimental slush and instead builds characters that the audience can invest hope in.
