by Tabatha Golat –
February is a month usually reserved for tales of love, so recommending a narrative centered on grief might seem contrarian. Yet, it would be a disservice to overlook the recently-released Good Grief, a beautifully crafted debut feature film from Dan Levy. Levy, the co-creator of Schitt’s Creek, is a polymath in the realms of writing, directing and acting. Good Grief, released on Netflix in January 2024, is a drama-comedy that explores the intricate layers of loss and grief while navigating the nuances of close friendships.
Set in London, Good Grief unfolds the poignant story of Marc (Dan Levy), a skilled illustrator enjoying a seemingly idyllic life with his ludicrously wealthy and charming husband, Oliver (Luke Evans). Their lives, surrounded by affluence, friends and love, are abruptly shattered on Christmas Eve when Oliver meets a tragic end in a car accident. What ensues is a journey through grief as Marc relies on the unwavering support of his best friends, Sophie (Ruth Negga) and Thomas (Himesh Patel), who provide a comforting space for him to navigate the tumultuous terrain of sorrow.
As Marc grapples with the pain of loss, he discovers a Christmas card from Oliver that reveals a shocking truth. Oliver had been leading a double life in Paris with a new love interest and planned to leave Marc. Faced with this heartbreaking truth, Marc, instead of burdening his friends, decides to whisk them away to Paris under the guise of a casual weekend getaway. In the City of Lights, their friendship undergoes a profound test as secrets emerge and emotions run high. Dan Levy skillfully steers the film through heavy themes of pain, grief, loss and friendship, all while infusing humour into the narrative.
Fans of Zach Braff’s Garden State will find familiarity in the self-indulgent focus on the main character and the weighty dialogue, a directorial approach that may not resonate with everyone but is masterfully executed in Good Grief. While the film may occasionally feel sluggish, this deliberate pacing allows viewers the space to digest reflective prose. Thoughtful, touching, and striking the perfect balance between somber and humorous, the film marks a robust feature-length debut for Dan Levy.
For those who appreciate a healthy exploration of the themes of grief, love and friendship (because who doesn’t need a good cry now and then?), check out my list of recommendations below.
1. Garden State, Apple TV
2. 50/50, Netflix
3. P.S. I Love You, Netflix
4. Me and Earl and The Dying Girl, Disney+
5. We Bought a Zoo, Disney+
