2007–2009: Independent films Following a three-year hiatus, Ryan returned to film with Jon Kasdan's 2007 independent film In the Land of Women. Starring alongside Kristen Stewart and Olympia Dukakis, she played Sarah Hardwicke, a mother and wife facing breast cancer, who connects with her neighbor's much younger grandson, played by Adam Brody. Released to mixed reviews by critics, the film grossed $17.5 million worldwide, exceeding its budget of $10 million. Ryan received a positive response for her performance, with Kenneth Turan of the Los Angeles Times noting it "the best work [she] has done in forever".
2007–2009 independent films following a three-year hiatus ryan returned to film with jon kasdan's 2007 independent film in the land of women starring alongside kristen stewart and olympia dukakis she played sarah hardwicke a mother and wife facing breast cancer who connects with her neighbor's much younger grandson played by adam brody released to mixed reviews by critics the film grossed $175 million worldwide exceeding its budget of $10 million ryan received a positive response for her performance with kenneth turan of the los angeles times noting it "the best work [she] has done in forever"