GOOD GRIEF

This is the directorial debut of Dan Levy, co-creator and co-star of the hit series 'Schitt's Creek'.  He also wrote the screenplay and plays the lead role, so we know who to blame if we don't like it.

The Wikipedia outline of the plot runs to only two short paragraphs, which is an indication that the story here is rather slight.

Levy plays Marc, whose husband is killed in a car accident at the start of the film.  The rest of the 100 minutes running time explores his ensuing grief, and his friendship with Sophie and Thomas who do their best to support him.

Levy is a likeable screen presence, he has assembled a fine cast, and his screenplay is neat and occasionally funny and occasionally borderline profound.

The problem is a lack of depth or emotional intensity.  There have been many films that do a much better job of exploring grief, 'Manchester by the Sea' or 'A Single Man' for example.

The impression of superficiality is compounded by the fact that this film takes place in the world of rich, beautiful people set in beautiful houses or apartments either in London or Paris, beautifully filmed. 

It makes for an undemanding and pleasant viewing experience which doesn't leave much trace.

It was nice to see Celia Imrie in fine form however, in a couple of scenes.

RATING: x Find Something Better To Do