This strong intense film, that expresses self pity and self destruction gives us a message that we need to understand. It expresses that death can affect us all, but detaching others can cause more damage to not only ourselves but to our close ones as well.
Professor Charlie (Brendan Fraser), a reclusive English writing instructor for an online college who has let himself go after years of depression from the death of his lover and the detachment from his daughter. His daughter Ellie (Sadie Sink) from abandonment is struggling with her life and also with her relationship to her mother Mary (Samantha Morton). With the help from Liz (Hong Chau) a personal friend and Thomas (Ty Simpkins), door to door evangelist, Charlie’s wish just might come true.
Director Darren Aronofsky somehow with the long drawn out scenes and slow content he presents a wonderful tale that shows how depression and loss of loved ones can affect others. Darren shows how love and sexual preferences in a world that truly does not except the gay community can result in decision that may effect others and what they do. Aronofsky expresses through this film that depression, suicide, and self hate, can be evident in how we try and understand how we are perceived by others. He goes further showing that religion and some beliefs can make different thinking people outcasts and feel that they don’t belong. Brendan Fraser delivers a fantastic performance that is supported by a spectacular cast.
A slow story that demonstrates the emotional consequences that can affect others by death of loved ones. It also presents how family and faith can almost destroy loved ones who don’t live the life that is expected by us all. An excellent drama that not only delivers a message but gets you thinking about how we need to treat others.
Final Comment: I based my grade on excellent storyline, fantastic acting, and spectacular make up
3.5 out of 5 Stars
Additional Film Information
Cast: Brendan Fraser, Sadie Sink, Ty Simpkins, Hong Chau, and Samantha Morton.
Directed by: Darren Aronofsky
Genre: Drama
MPAA Rating: Rated R for language, some drug use and sexual content.
Running Time: 1 hour and 57 minutes.
Release Date: December 21, 2022
Distributed By: A24 and Impact Films.
Release In: Dolby Digital and Standard.