Daniel Levy, widely known for his Emmy-winning performance in Schitt’s Creek, has taken a remarkable leap into the world of feature filmmaking with his debut as a writer, director, producer, and star in Good Grief. This film delves into the depths of love, loss, and grief, drawing inspiration from Levy’s own experiences. It explores the complexities of friendship as three best friends embark on a life-changing trip to Paris, encountering unexpected revelations that challenge their perceptions. Good Grief delivers a tonally dicey narrative, but ultimately becomes a poignant story about the resilience and significance of human connection.
The film starts at a holiday party in a lavish London apartment, paying homage to writer Richard Curtis, one of Levy’s cinematic inspirations. Marc, portrayed by Levy himself, lives under the shadow of his famous filmmaker husband Oliver (Luke Evans). Despite his role as an artist, Marc’s identity is often overshadowed by Oliver’s charisma and success. The crowd includes Marc’s close friends, the vivacious Sophie (Ruth Negga) and the once-romantic-interest-turned-friend Thomas (Himesh Patel). However, tragedy strikes when Oliver dies in a head-on collision, plunging Marc into the depths of grief.
Good Grief examines the grieving process beyond the initial funeral, highlighting its complexities a year later during another holiday season. Sophie and Thomas urge Marc to move forward, and he finally reads the card that Oliver left for him on that fateful evening. The contents of the letter far surpass his expectations, introducing a myriad of complications. Imelda, Oliver’s lawyer (Celia Imrie), reveals the existence of a luxurious Paris apartment unknown to Marc. As the trio embarks on a trip to Paris, Marc privately seeks answers regarding the secrets Oliver left behind—a revelation that sheds light on their open marriage, which is oddly addressed briefly in Levy’s script.
Good Grief goes beyond grief itself to explore the individual turmoil of each protagonist, unveiling profound truths about their lives and long-standing connections. Levy, a quadruple threat in writing, directing, producing, and acting, showcases his talent for bringing out the best in his fellow actors. Negga delivers a sensational performance as the carefree and vibrant Sophie, while Patel superbly portrays the fervent emotional journey of Thomas. Although Levy’s Marc occupies the film’s center stage, he carries the weight of grief and the complex aftermath of Oliver’s actions upon his own shoulders.
A Supporting Cast that Elevates the Story
The film incorporates a supporting cast that adds depth to the narrative. Arnaud Valois appears as Theo, a brief love interest for Marc in Paris. Valois’ portrayal symbolizes an opportunity for Marc to break free from Oliver’s hold on him. Mehdi Baki also makes an appearance as Luca, a mysterious character holding answers to unresolved questions. Emma Corrin and Kaitlyn Dever have brief roles as a performance artist and another friend, respectively, but their characters are underutilized within the story. Although Evans’ character, Oliver, meets an early demise, his presence radiates throughout the film.
Paris serves as a picturesque backdrop, captured with stunning cinematography by Ole Bratt Bireland. The film showcases the sumptuous production design of both the London and Paris apartments, meticulously crafted by Alice Normington. Julian Day’s costume designs accentuate the characters’ personalities and the film’s aesthetic. The music score composed by Rob Simonsen and the soundtrack curated by Season Kent evoke powerful emotions, incorporating iconic songs from artists such as Bonnie Raitt, Elton John, and Neil Young.
Good Grief is a testament to the creative prowess of Daniel Levy, who not only wrote and directed the film but also produced it alongside Megan Zehmer, Debra Hayward, and Kate Fenske. The film boasts Stacey Snider and Caroline Levy as executive producers, contributing to the overall vision and execution of Levy’s transformative storytelling.
Despite its occasional tonal inconsistencies, Good Grief showcases Daniel Levy’s impressive debut as a writer, director, producer, and star. The film delves into the complexities of grief while exploring the enduring power of friendship. Levy skillfully directs his fellow actors, with exceptional performances from Ruth Negga and Himesh Patel. Combined with breathtaking visuals, a captivating soundtrack, and a thoughtfully crafted narrative, Good Grief marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in Levy’s career. Audiences can eagerly anticipate his future endeavors, as Levy proves himself to be an assured and visionary talent in the world of filmmaking.
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