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Beginners poster

Beginners (2011)

2011 • 1h 44m • Drama, Comedy • R
On September 20, 2026
#7080853
7080th by attention movie online
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All reviews

Filipe Manuel Neto on Beginners

4/10 · Sep 6, 2022

The movie has merit, though some aspects of the story didn’t quite make sense to me. I apologize for that. I generally dislike movies that feel like they’re pushing an agenda—films trying to promote causes, political viewpoints, or social movements. It's acceptable when these themes are woven into a plot, but creating a movie solely as advocacy feels different. When I began watching, I worried it would be another film championing LGBTQ+ rights and related issues. Thankfully, my concerns weren’t fully realized. The script is fairly standard, aiming to tell an engaging story about a man who starts a passionate relationship with a charming Frenchwoman he just met. He's struggling with grief over his father’s recent death, and the film follows their evolving romance while also revealing the complicated history of his relationship with his father. Shortly after becoming a widower, the father discloses that he is ill, facing cancer, and confesses he has been secretly gay all along, enduring hardship because of this hidden truth and maintaining a secret partner. What makes the movie work isn’t just the dramatic storyline (I didn't perceive it as a comedy, despite some humorous moments) but also its unique presentation—using flashbacks and a very visual style with photographs to create an interesting narrative. There were instances where I felt like the narrator, the son, was presenting slides directly to the audience. This seemed like a risky move by director Mike Mills, but it paid off well. However, I found the subplot involving his father’s sexuality less believable. It's difficult for me to accept how an older, ailing man could be in a loving relationship with someone so much younger. It's not about the fact that he is gay; it’s the age difference and health situation that strain credibility. Beyond the story and its elegant delivery, the film boasts a strong cast of talented actors, notably veteran Christopher Plummer, who delivers a poignant and truly worthy portrayal of the father. Alongside him, Ewan McGregor also gives one of his best performances—and that's saying something, as he’s already proven himself to be an excellent actor. Melanie Laurent, following her work in "Inglourious Basterds,” provides another solid performance, though her character isn’t as compelling or memorable as the two male leads. Goran Visnjic, unfortunately, is given a less substantial role; I felt he was somewhat underserved by the script. Technically, the film is well-made and effective, relying heavily on interesting and skillfully crafted cinematography with visuals that become more apparent as it progresses. The editing is good, the pacing is pleasant, and the sets and costumes are what you’d expect. The music doesn't particularly stand out.

Source on TMDB

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