Films about loss of a loved one often explore the profound emotional impact of grief, love, and the human experience. These films delve into the complex and sometimes transformative journey of characters as they navigate the aftermath of losing someone they deeply care about. The themes of coping, healing, and finding hope after loss are central to these stories, offering viewers a poignant and relatable portrayal of the human condition.
“Manchester by the Sea”, 2016
Director: Kenneth Lonergan
This film follows Lee Chandler, a withdrawn janitor who is forced to confront his tragic past and take care of his nephew after the sudden death of his brother. The movie delves into the depths of grief and the struggle to find a way forward after a devastating loss.
Starring: Casey Affleck, Michelle Williams, Kyle Chandler, Lucas Hedges, Ivy O'Brien, C.J. Wilson, Anna Baryshnikov, Gretchen Mol, Heather Burns, Jami Tennille, Richard Donelly, Virginia Loring Cooke, Quincy Tyler Bernstine, Missy Yager, Stephen McKinley Henderson, Ben Hanson, Mary Mallen, Lewis D. Wheeler, Anthony Estrella, Susan Pourfar, Robert Sella, Ruibo Qian, Tom Kemp, Chloe Dixon, Ellie Teeves, Paul Meredith, Carolyn Pickman, Tate Donovan, Christian Mallen, Oscar Wahlberg, Kara Hayward, Josh Hamilton, Wendy Overly, Shawn Fitzgibbon, Glenn McKiel, Joe Stapleton, Brian Chamberlain, Jackson Damon, Liam McNeill, Allyn Burrows, Nellie Lonergan, Brian White, Erica McDermott, Matthew Broderick, Danae Nason, Frank Garvin, Kt Baldassaro, Amanda Blattner, William Bornkessel;
Production year: 2016;
Genre: drama;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 137 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,8;
More information about the film “Manchester by the Sea” on the website imdb.com
“A Monster Calls”, 2016
Director: Juan Antonio Bayona
This visually stunning film tells the story of a young boy coping with his mother's terminal illness. With the help of a fantastical tree monster, the boy navigates the complexities of loss, love, and the power of storytelling as a means of processing his emotions.
Starring: Lewis MacDougall, Liam Neeson, Sigourney Weaver, Felicity Jones, Toby Kebbell, Ben Moor, James Melville, Oliver Steer, Dominic Boyle, Jennifer Lim, Max Gabbay, Morgan Symes, Max Golds, Frida Palsson, Wanda Opalinska, Patrick Taggart, Lily-Rose Aslandogdu, Geraldine Chaplin, Kai Arnthal, Lee Bolton, Duna Got, Garry Marriott, Jake Talbot;
Production year: 2016;
Genre: fantasy, drama;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 108 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,4;
“Rabbit Hole”, 2010
Director: John Cameron Mitchell
Nicole Kidman and Aaron Eckhart star in this emotionally raw drama about a couple grappling with the death of their young son. The film offers a poignant exploration of grief, guilt, and the complexities of mourning, while also portraying the resilience of the human spirit.
Starring: Nicole Kidman, Aaron Eckhart, Dianne Wiest, Miles Teller, Tammy Blanchard, Sandra Oh, Giancarlo Esposito, Jon Tenney, Stephen Mailer, Mike Doyle, Roberta Wallach, Patricia Kalember, Ali Marsh, Yetta Gottesman, Colin Mitchell, Deidre Goodwin, Julie Lauren, Rob Campbell, Jennifer Roszell, Marylouise Burke, Jay Wilkison, Ben Hudson, Salli Saffioti, Ursula Parker, Phoenix List, Sandi Carroll, Teresa Kelsey, Sara Jane Blazo, Brady Parisella, Derek Blakeney, Ed Kalegi, Jake Levy, Shannon McGann, Chris Werkmeister, Shoshanna Withers;
Production year: 2010;
Genre: drama;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 91 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7;
More information about the film “Rabbit Hole” on the website imdb.com
“The Descendants”, 2011
Director: Alexander Payne
George Clooney portrays a father dealing with the impending loss of his wife, who is in a coma after a boating accident. As he struggles to come to terms with her condition, he also grapples with the revelation of her infidelity, leading to a deeply moving exploration of love, loss, and forgiveness.
Starring: George Clooney, Shailene Woodley, Amara Miller, Nick Krause, Beau Bridges, Matthew Lillard, Judy Greer, Robert Forster, Rob Huebel, Mary Birdsong, Patti Hastie, Grace A. Cruz, Kim Gennaula, Karen Kuioka Hironaga, Carmen Kaichi, Matt Corboy, Matt Esecson, Michael Ontkean, Stanton Johnston, Jon McManus, Hugh Foster, Tiare R. Finney, Tom McTigue, Milt Kogan, Laird Hamilton, Aileen «Boo» Arnold, Esther Kang, Melissa Kim, Barbara L. Southern, Celia Kaleialoha Kenney, Matt Reese, Zoel Turnbull, Linda Rose Herman, Scott Michael Morgan, Darryl K. Gonzales, Koko Kanealii, Romey «Keola» Yokotake, Fileena Bahris, Paul Edney, Dennis Falt, Morgan Freeman, Sisa Grey, Jamon Holmes, Tom Holowach, Christian Gutierrez, Jordan Kirkwood, James Koons, Alan Seabock, John A Weaver;
Production year: 2011;
Genre: drama;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 115 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,3;
More information about the film “The Descendants” on the website imdb.com
“The Lovely Bones”, 2009
Director: Peter Jackson
Based on the best-selling novel, this film follows a young girl who watches from the “in-between” after she is murdered, as her family copes with the devastating loss and seeks justice. The story skillfully weaves together themes of loss, hope, and the enduring power of love in the face of tragedy.
Starring: Saoirse Ronan, Stanley Tucci, Mark Wahlberg, Rachel Weisz, Susan Sarandon, Michael Imperioli, Rose McIver, Christian Ashdale, Reece Ritchie, Carolyn Dando, Nikki SooHoo, Andrew James Allen, Jake Abel, AJ Michalka, Tom McCarthy, Bill Fisher, Evelyn Lennon, Stefania LaVie Owen, Ashley Brimfield, John Jezior, Anna George, Kirit Kapadia, Richard Lambeth, William Zielinski, Glen Drake, Nick Baker, Dan Kern, Greg Wood, Freya Milner, Katie Jackson, Ruby Hudson, Tina Graham, Phoebe Gittins, Anna Dawson, Lili Bayliss, Bruce Phillips, Veronica Horn, Jack Hoffman, David C. Roehm Sr., Seth F. Miller, Lee Miller, Michael A. Salvato, Nakia Dillard, William Hummel, James Vassanelli, Scott Evans, Billy Jackson, Bob Burns, Kathy Burns, April Phillips;
Production year: 2009;
Genre: fantasy, thriller, drama, crime, detective;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 135 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,6;
More information about the film “The Lovely Bones” on the website imdb.com
These films offer a diverse range of perspectives on the universal experience of losing a loved one, each capturing the complexities of grief and the human capacity for resilience and healing.
The selection of films about the loss of a loved one offers a profound exploration of human emotions and the complexities of grief. Each film in this collection takes a unique approach to portraying the universal experience of loss, showcasing the power of storytelling to connect us on a deeply emotional level. From heart-wrenching dramas that delve into the depths of sorrow to uplifting tales of resilience and healing, these films remind us of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing our loved ones while we can. Through their compelling narratives and masterful performances, these films leave a lasting impact, inviting viewers to reflect on their own experiences of loss and find solace in the shared human experience.
