Dan Levy's directorial debut explores the messy, non-linear reality of processing profound personal loss
In short: Good Grief, a 2023 comedy-drama, follows a man navigating the sudden death of his husband. Beyond the immediate tragedy, the film uncovers hidden secrets and the complex dynamics of friendship. It is a story about the courage required to confront grief and the slow, often painful path toward eventual acceptance.
Written and directed by Dan Levy, Good Grief marks his directorial film debut. The narrative centers on Marc, whose life is upended when his husband, Oliver, dies in a car accident shortly after leaving a Christmas party. As Marc attempts to process his loss, he discovers that Oliver had been keeping secrets, including a hidden apartment in Paris and a confession of infidelity. These revelations force Marc to confront not only his husband's hidden life but also his own unresolved trauma, specifically the death of his mother, which had previously caused him to abandon his passion for painting.
The film functions as a character study, with Marc accompanied by his best friends, Sophie and Thomas, on a trip to Paris. The journey serves as a catalyst for each character to face their own vulnerabilities: Sophie struggles with commitment, while Thomas fears he will never be the primary partner in his relationships. The film’s emotional core is bolstered by the artistic contributions of Toronto-based artist Kris Knight, who created the shadow paintings featured in the story. These works become central to the film’s conclusion, where Marc finally returns to his art, creating portraits of his inner circle and finding a sense of closure.
Critical reception of the film has been mixed. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a 76% approval rating from 37 critics, with an average score of 5.6/10. Reviewers like Peter Debruge of Variety praised Levy for his sincerity, noting that the film dares to be earnest in an era often defined by irony. Conversely, David Rooney of The Hollywood Reporter argued that the script lacked depth, suggesting the film’s emotional weight relied too heavily on Rob Simonsen’s musical score. Brian Tallerico of RogerEbert.com echoed these sentiments, noting that while Levy is a likable performer, the film struggles to balance its ensemble cast, ultimately resulting in a modest, if occasionally uneven, exploration of grief.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Good Grief (film)
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