This film presents a stark contrast to Brendan Fraser’s earlier role in "Gods and Monsters." Here, he portrays “Charlie,” a man whose extreme obesity has severely compromised his health and limited his movement; his typical meals consist of two large pizzas each evening and two substantial meatball subs at lunchtime. The story quickly reveals the initial factors that led this individual to such a state of despair, and as his condition appears increasingly dire, he hopes to reconnect with his daughter, whom he abandoned eight years prior to pursue a relationship with “Allan.” While I considered Fraser’s acting to be exceptional, Sadie Sink's portrayal of the selfish, manipulative, and unpleasant daughter "Ellie" (whom he clearly adores) truly captivated me. There were moments when I felt an urge to lash out at her! Ty Simpkins also delivers a solid performance as the well-intentioned religious young man whose involvement with this troubled family broadens his perspective. Hong Chau is effective as his long-suffering friend, nurse, and confidante "Liz." As death approaches, the characters become entangled in an increasingly tense atmosphere characterized by bitterness, resentment, and regret, though perhaps—just maybe—there’s a glimmer of potential reconciliation. It's unlikely Fraser will ever replicate this kind of performance again. His physical appearance and generally listless behavior are so different from the energetic and cheerful roles he has previously played that they undeniably create an impact. However, his acting is genuine and emotionally resonant; his character experiences turmoil and anguish, which he powerfully conveys, particularly in scenes with his difficult daughter. The narrative unfolds with a sense of certainty, which isn't always something I appreciate—but here, it effectively concentrates attention on the few interconnected stories and characters, minimizing distractions. There are also occasional moments of humor to be found. I’ve made a conscious effort not to read about how he achieved that physique; knowing the details might detract from what is undoubtedly a remarkable achievement from both him and Miss Sink. It's an honest and challenging film – definitely worth seeing.
On September 25, 2026
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