‘Good Grief’ Review | Daniel Levy's bittersweet film is a promising showcase of talents despite its flaws
LONDON, UK: Daniel Levy, renowned for his role in the beloved TV comedy ‘Schitt's Creek’, ventures into the world of feature films with his debut, ‘Good Grief’, which released on Friday, January 5, on Netflix.
This bittersweet dramedy unfolds as Levy takes on the roles of writer, director, producer, and star. The narrative revolves around Marc, an artist grappling with the intricacies of grief following the untimely death of his husband, Oliver.
In contrast to the comedic tone of ‘Schitt's Creek’, ‘Good Grief’ explores the profound emotional terrain of love and loss. Levy, donning the lead role of Marc, weaves a story inspired by his personal experiences, infusing the film with an authentic and heartfelt quality.
Daniel Levy's character strikes a delicate balance between vulnerability and strength
The story follows Marc as he navigates the aftermath of his husband Oliver's sudden death, consumed by grief. To add layers of complexity, a revelation about Oliver's infidelity a year after his death propels Marc on a soul-searching journey to Paris alongside his best friends, Sophie (Ruth Negga) and Thomas (Himesh Patel). Together, they embark on a quest to address unspoken issues within their friendship, providing a backdrop for the exploration of adult relationships and unresolved grief.
Levy's portrayal of Marc strikes a delicate balance between vulnerability and strength, delivering a nuanced performance that captures the intricacies of mourning and self-discovery. The supporting cast, particularly the stellar performances from Ruth Negga and Himesh Patel, plays pivotal roles in reflecting Marc's flaws and aiding in his transformative journey.
Patel's Thomas brings a guarded and deadpan demeanor, complemented by Negga's Sophie, who injects chaos and obliviousness into the mix. Together, they form a makeshift family navigating the complexities of life. While the film boasts several strengths, it grapples with certain challenges that disrupt its seamless narrative flow.
While Levy successfully crafts authentic characters reminiscent of ‘Schitt's Creek’, there are moments when the interactions feel forced, as if pushing the plot or character arcs forward. This occasional lack of balance diminishes the authenticity of the characters' connections, occasionally disrupting the immersive experience.
‘Good Grief’ endeavors to blend various genres, primarily as an emotional drama centered on adult friendships and unresolved grief. However, the inclusion of rom-com elements, such as dark secrets and holiday flings, sometimes feels manufactured rather than organic. Despite this, Levy skillfully avoids clichés like a last-minute dash to the airport, maintaining an element of unpredictability.
‘Good Grief’ leaves viewers earning for more genuine moments amid the emotional turmoil
The film's blend of earnestness and occasional artificiality is exemplified in Marc's poignant description of grief as "swimming with clothes on and can't take them off." While these lines resonate, they coexist with rom-com dialogues that veer away from genuine human interaction. The film grapples with a strenuous earnestness, occasionally leaving viewers yearning for more genuine moments amidst the emotional turmoil.
Notable appearances from David Bradley as Oliver's father Duncan add depth to the narrative, with Bradley delivering the film's most heartbreaking speech at the funeral. Kaitlyn Dever and Emma Corrin make memorable cameo turns as an obnoxious Hollywood star and a performance artist, respectively, contributing to the film's eclectic ensemble.
In its portrayal of Marc's grief, the film occasionally sinks into melancholy, with moments feeling overly indulgent. However, Levy's commitment to emotional authenticity shines through within these moments. The film's sincerity is further underscored by Levy's own experiences, reflected in his nuanced depiction of grief and its intersection with betrayal.
‘Good Grief’ may not be a flawless debut, but it is a promising showcase of Daniel Levy's multifaceted talents. The film's imperfections are overshadowed by its genuine moments, compelling performances, and the potential it holds for Levy's future in filmmaking.
As a debut feature, ‘Good Grief’ leaves audiences with a sense of anticipation, eager to witness the evolution of Levy's storytelling prowess on the big screen.
