Attempting to grapple with a complex theme can be demanding, requiring considerable effort to succeed. But without a strong base from which to proceed, the task can easily become overwhelming, and sadly, that's what happens with writer-actor-director Daniel Levy’s first film. As the title indicates, this production aims to explore how one moves past profound sadness, specifically focusing on a middle-aged gay man (Levy) living in London who experiences the devastating loss of his husband (Luke Evans) in an accident, leading to a prolonged period of grief. He has the support of his closest friends (Ruth Negga, Himesh Patel), who try to help him process his sorrow, but that situation worsens when surprising details come to light over the following year. With little apparent improvement on the horizon, the three decide to make a significant change, planning a long weekend trip to Paris with the intention of healing and regaining some enjoyment in their lives. However, this journey turns out to reveal hidden truths and difficult realities for everyone involved, somewhat balanced by the possibility of new beginnings. It’s clear that the film comes from a sincere place, but it often seems to struggle to articulate what it truly intends to communicate. The emotions feel genuine, and the feelings are apparent, yet their presentation frequently falls short. They come across as unfinished, expressed through dialogue that sounds more like awkward writing than natural conversation. That’s unfortunate, considering the quality of the acting, which genuinely tries to convey these emotions from both the main cast and a talented group of supporting actors, including Celia Imrie, David Bradley and Arnaud Valois. “Good Grief” feels like a project that would have benefited from additional script work before production began, especially given the depth of the subject matter being handled here. Dealing with grief is difficult enough, but telling stories about it in a way that feels authentic and heartfelt presents an even greater challenge. Unfortunately, this film doesn’t quite achieve that goal.

Source on TMDB