The movie explores the impact of losing someone close, and those assuming it’s a low-budget film that's been unfairly praised would be mistaken. I initially thought it starred Christian Bale because of the poster, but discovered it featured another actor instead. My opinion changed after viewing; it's a genuinely beautiful drama with music. It stands out as one of 2014’s best films—one I almost missed if I had listened to critics. Be cautious when choosing movies, as they aren’t always correct. The film shares similarities with productions like 'Elephant,' focusing on school shootings, but without depicting any violence; instead, it portrays the aftermath and its consequences through the parents' perspectives. The narrative centers on a father whose son was killed in such an event, beautifully illustrating how this loss affects his life alongside compelling music. It’s about a father's mourning process and his uncertain future leading to self-discovery. This marks Willian H. Macy’s directorial debut, which he executed exceptionally well. Sadly, it doesn’t receive the recognition it deserves among other great films of that year, but I am not alone in appreciating it. The simple storyline, excellent character portrayals, and pleasing music all contributed to its success. Billy Crudup should take on more leading roles; his performance was impressive enough to suggest he could find a place in the industry. I’m looking forward to seeing what Willian H. Macy does next. > "There are 14 people in the audience and 10 of them are performers." While not based on a true story, other than the general theme of school shootings, the film realistically depicts events following such incidents. A highlight was the skillful balancing of emotions throughout the storytelling. I initially anticipated a tearjerker after the first ten minutes—what many viewers likely expect—but it wasn't; despite my enjoyment of the rest of the film. The twist felt casual, intended not for the story or characters but for the audience connecting with the unseen school shooting. This makes it less predictable and ultimately leads to a more satisfying conclusion. It felt like watching someone’s real life unfold, yet it was difficult to foresee what would happen next. From a cinematic standpoint, the film achieved its goal of being well-made. Selena Gomez had a guest appearance, but for a star of her caliber, such a small role in a serious theme seemed unnecessary, as it can create false expectations among fans and lead to disappointment. This applies not just to her, but to any major stars appearing in smaller roles; audiences expect more than brief appearances when they see them on screen. A character with dialogue should carry significance, though she didn’t particularly shine. Anton Yelchin's performance in '5 to 7,' which I saw earlier this year, was stronger, but Yelchin still delivered a decent supporting role alongside Laurence Fishburne. It isn’t solely about grief; within its limited scope, it effectively conveys what it set out to tell the audience. There are some lighter moments as well, though sparingly. Overall, it delivers on its promise. I wholeheartedly recommend it, especially for those who have experienced loss—they will likely connect with it deeply. 9/10

Source on TMDB