Success in a story is when the story can connect with the reader in such a way that the reader either feels a part of the story or sees themselves as one or more of the characters. When I think about some of the most powerful stories, movies, or books, I cannot help but think about the themes that drive those stories. Grief is on the top 5 list of powerful storytelling themes. Grief has so many different layers and as morbid as the topic can be, some of the best creative work comes from grief or times of emotional turmoil.
I have a special curated list of movies that explore grief. These movies perfectly provide thought-provoking insight into the process, handling, and acceptance of what the “end” of something looks like. Before I give this list, let me give my PSA.
As a Christ-following believer, my faith guides my understanding and truth as to what happens when you die. I understand and respect other viewpoints diversions from these facts, as I know them. However, as a lover of storytelling, science fiction, and artistic drama, I enjoy seeing the interpretation of dramatic real-life experiences. I like it when a filmmaker can relate a character’s viewpoint on death, rather it be their own, or others in such a way that I can enjoy the journey despite the dark topic, or unbelievable truth. This is when the filmmaker has done an amazing job.
Now presenting my top five most interesting movies with grief as a driving theme.
What Dreams May Come True, 1998
Likely one of Robin Williams’s top ten films, this story explores death and what comes after. It takes the anonymous approach and guides both Robin and the viewer to the realization of what and where he is. The level of honesty and dialogue with himself about how he got to this dreamy, artist-filled world. I love this movie because sometimes, when a loved one experiences a loss, accepting a new status is the hardest part.
Solaris, 2002
This is a true experiment in science fiction filmmaking. It is definitely not one of George Clooney’s classics, but the movie holds its own on character-driven performances and underlining plot for the viewer looking to “get the bad guy.” Solaris looks at how deeply the mind is altered by death. I will not say much to avoid spoilers, but I will say that talking to people after you lose someone is critical to avoid the abyss that George falls into during this film. He falls so hard and deep that he had me convinced of HIS truth until the very end of the movie.
P.S. I Love You, 2007
At the height of the rom-com era, this film came and changed the game of what romantic drama could look like. The formula of girl meets boy, falls in love fast, faces some obstacles, but somehow love perseveres; was no longer a rom-com staple. Hilary Swank is haunted by letters from her deceased husband. He helps her move through the grief process through a series of tasks. Some are harder than others, but because it is a dying wish; she propels herself through life with him (Gerald Bulter) at a rate faster than she is truly ready for. Despite dead hubby’s goals, she is only doing it to continue to feel more connected to him and to have access to his heart through the written word. I love this story because it displays true unselfish thought on behalf of the deceased. It makes you think, when my loved one dies “Who will I live for?”
The In Between, 2022
Alright, this movie definitely has a specific young adult audience, but the themes are so grown up. A young girl experiences a traumatic car accident which kills her boyfriend. The story takes you through a series of ghost experiences, all in which the main character continually tries to bring her love back to her natural world. The movie explores what some think is the place between life, death, and the after-life. I do not subscribe to the notions presented in the film (see my opening statement), but I do love how the screenwriter uses “Tessa’s” grief to open her heart and her mind to the possibilities of life without your first love. You do not have to die with someone to keep their memory in your heart.
The Air He Breathes, 2024
This movie comes out August 2024. Like most good movies, this is based on a book written by Brittainy Cherry. I have read the story multiple times. The Air He Breathes is a powerful story about depression, guilt, and grief. I cannot say enough about the emotional pull that Tristan and Liz have on each other. This story explores what is like to seek loneliness from the lonely and how that can help or hinder you in the process of grief. The characters are flawed and manically unhealthy but through the art of storytelling; the reader finds themselves as 3rd party bystanders rooting for their collective healing. Not just healing for love’s sake, but healing for their soul and redemption of the lives they gave up.