Rodrigo García directs and wrote “Raymond & Ray,” which centers on two half-brothers who reconnect for a road trip to lay their abusive father to rest. The narrative unfolds with considerable detail but avoids feeling bogged down, presenting a straightforward yet perceptive examination of fractured connections. Despite shortcomings in how the characters are developed and an underwhelming ending, the film manages to stay engaging thanks to touches of dark comedy, unexpected moments, and two noteworthy performances from its leads. Raymond (Ewan McGregor) and Ray (Ethan Hawke) shared a close bond during childhood. As adults, however, years have passed since they last spoke; Raymond has accumulated several failed marriages while Ray is dealing with addiction recovery. Despite their differences, they share one commonality: resentment toward their father. Feeling obligated, Raymond asks his brother to join him at the funeral, and Ray eventually consents. Past hurts resurface—some are eased—as the brothers grapple with their history, regret, and a few unforeseen developments during their travels. The story possesses an unusual quality with intriguing turns of events—including their father’s bold final request—and the circumstances feel so particular that one suspects they might be drawn from actual experiences. A missed opportunity arises because García doesn't explore his characters’ backgrounds more thoroughly; viewers are given only fleeting references to pivotal moments and emotional scars from the past. It becomes apparent that neither brother ever truly knew their father, but they gradually gain a better understanding of him—and each other—as the story progresses. “Raymond & Ray” explores themes of mourning and personal growth, even if it requires creating a new version of yourself.

Source on TMDB