"Good Grief" delves into the tumultuous life of Marc Dreyfus (Dan Levy), a man grappling with loss and betrayal. After the unexpected death of his husband, Oliver (Luke Evans), Marc embarks on a soul-searching trip to Paris with his two closest friends, Sophie (Ruth Negga) and Thomas (Himesh Patel). As the trio unravels the complexities of grief, they confront shocking revelations that redefine their understanding of love, friendship, and redemption.
Dan Levy, best known for his success in “Schitt’s Creek,” takes on the role of writer, executive producer, lead actor, and director in his feature film directorial debut, “Good Grief.” The film, which revolves around the aftermath of significant loss and the journey toward moving on, reflects Levy’s transition into the world of feature film direction and storytelling.
The narrative follows Marc (played by Levy) and his struggles with grief after the unexpected death of his husband, Oliver (Luke Evans). The film opens at a Christmas party, setting the stage for a series of tragic events that send Marc into a spiral of mourning. It’s revealed that Marc had previously used a relationship with Oliver to cope with the pain of losing his mother, adding layers to the character’s emotional journey.
A year after Oliver’s death, Marc discovers a Christmas card revealing Oliver’s confession of an affair and a desire to discuss their future. The impact of grief colliding with betrayal becomes a central theme, propelling Marc, along with his two best friends Sophie (Ruth Negga) and Thomas (Himesh Patel), on a trip to Paris to close emotional loops.
While the film has moments that allow characters to breathe and exist, showcasing Levy’s potential as a filmmaker, it grapples with certain challenges. The script, written by Levy, is criticized for occasionally pushing emotional buttons too hard and failing to fill out its ensemble equally. The introduction of a new romantic relationship for Marc in Paris is deemed forced and predictable, detracting from the authenticity of the narrative.
Levy’s vision of exploring a makeshift family through the characters of Sophie and Thomas receives both praise and critique. The warm performances of Negga and Patel shine through, but the script’s failure to fully develop these characters beyond serving as mirrors for Marc’s journey is highlighted as a weakness.
“Good Grief” is applauded for its moments of empathy with broken characters, but the film occasionally sinks too deeply into Marc’s melancholy. The supporting characters, including Sophie and Thomas, are seen as reflections rather than fully realized individuals. The film is described as lingering in a gray area between realism and emotional intensity, struggling to find a balance.
“Good Grief” is acknowledged as a promising launch for Dan Levy into the film world, showcasing his strengths as a performer and glimpses of potential as a filmmaker. The review expresses eagerness to see Levy’s growth in future projects, recognizing the film’s best moments when it plays to its performers’ strengths. While the film has its flaws, particularly in forced plot points and underdeveloped characters, it remains an intriguing exploration of grief and the complexities of moving on after loss.
