"Good Grief," is a Heartfelt Exploration of Friendship and Discovery

I recently had the opportunity to watch Dan Levy's directorial debut, Good Grief, on Netflix. Dan Levy is best known for his comedy Schitt's Creek. I love that show, it's hilarious. When he entered into a deal to create content with Netflix I was and still am looking forward to anything he does.

"Good Grief," is a heartfelt exploration of grief, friendship, and self-discovery. While it may not land every comedic or dramatic beat perfectly, it offers a tender, character-driven journey that's elevated by strong performances and Levy's undeniable filmmaking potential. There are a lot of heartfelt and sweet moments in this movie.

Courtesy NetFlix

The film follows Marc (Levy), a widower reeling from the sudden loss of his husband. With the support of his two best friends, Lily (Ruth Negga) and Peter (Luke Macfarlane), he embarks on a weekend trip to Paris, hoping to find solace and rediscover himself. Their Parisian adventure unfolds with moments of humor, raw vulnerability, and introspective conversations that delve into the complexities of grief, friendship, and navigating life's detours.

Some of these challenges I could relate to as I lost my mother a few years ago. Marc also realizes that he hasn't fully processed the grief from a previous passing which I can understand. I suspect most viewers would.

The film does a good job in its portrayal of tender emotions. Levy skillfully navigates the sensitive theme of grief, showcasing genuine vulnerability and the messy process of healing. The characters' moments of shared grief and personal revelations resonate deeply, creating a connection with the audience on an emotional level.

This is quite a change of pace for Levy. It's refreshing to see Levy step outside his comedic persona and explore a dramatic role. He delivers a nuanced performance as Marc, capturing the character's grief, confusion, and moments of humor with sensitivity and authenticity.

While the film's intentions are admirable, the comedic tone occasionally clashes with the heavier themes, creating an uneven emotional balance. Additionally, the plot unfolds predictably at times, and some characters are a bit undeveloped.

Despite its shortcomings, "Good Grief" is a promising debut with a lot of heart. If you're looking for a heartfelt journey with an honest portrayal of grief and the power of friendship, "Good Grief" offers a worthwhile watch, even if it doesn't quite reach its full comedic or dramatic potential.

I give this movie 3 out of 5 stars.