I feel I have to make a confession to begin with that I never saw a single episode of Schitt’s creek. I had no idea who Dan Levy was until I caught him in Happiest season (one my favorite queer Christmas movies,,, damn I just realized I have not wrote a review of that – will have to work on that ) But I digress I loved Dan Levy in that movie and so when I saw that he had written and directed a new flick for Netflix I had to check out Good Grief.
Good Grief is that story of a year in the life of Marc as he tries to get over the sudden death of his husband, Oliver, on Christmas Night. He is supported in this by his two friends Sophie and Thomas, and they take a trip to Paris to try and deal with the loss and turmoil in their existence. This is further complicated by Marc finally opening a Christmas card from his husband that contains revelations about Oliver and what he had been doing in Paris.
The movie could have taken a lot of routes with clear good people and bad, and showing the situations in black and white but instead it peels back the surface and exposes the truth of all these characters, some which they are trying very hard to hide at all costs. Grief is something that I experienced when my father died, and I know how it can turn you inward losing your ability to focus on other people and Dan Levy shows this in his portrayal of Marc. He strikes out at others, lies to protect himself and acts selfishly and while this is shown as understandable the movie does not let him off the hook as his friends and newfound companion Theo confront him on his choices leading to him stepping forward from his grief and reclaiming some of the life he had left behind in the past. All in all, while it was an emotional watch it was also one that was worth every minute, and I think you should check this one out right away.
Paper Phoenix ink 