FilmSnobReviews

Title: Good Grief
MPA Rating: R
Director: Dan Levy
Starring: Dan Levy, Ruth Negga, Himesh Patel
Runtime: 1 hr 40 mins

What It Is: Marc (Levy) is happily married to his husband Oliver (Luke Evans) who’s a famous and talented writer. During their annual Christmas party Oliver has to leave to be in Paris for a signing. He never makes it there. Now a widower Marc must navigate the affairs of his husband. A year later when he finally opens the Christmas card Oliver gave him one year later he uncovers something both shocking and surprsing. Leading him back to the City of Lights with his best friends Sophie (Negga) and Thomas (Patel).

What We Think: Dan Levy is such a talent. Not just in front of the camera…but behind it. His writing might not be the strongest and it may not reinvent the wheel when it comes to structure of storytelling but it is super well done. I love the dynamic between Levy, Negga and Patel. It came off authentic. There aren’t any shots that stick out. No, where this film stands out is in the performances and chemistry of all. This is such an enjoyable film even after starting off kind of emotionally rough. It centers itself back by wonderfully pivoting it’s unwavering characters.

Our Grade: B, Looking very forward to more of Levy behind the lens. Even if his sass and charisma in front of it are tremendous. I missed Ruth Negga. It’s been a while since I’d seen her in anything and her vibrancy is still electric across my screen. Her talent…still massive. This is one to check out from Netflix and a GREAT start to their year. Much better than the start they had with me in 2023. Nonetheless, this is the kind of friendship film. The type of positive affirmation I think we all need in this the year of our lord 2024. Seek it out for you and your besties.