The subject of death has always been one to fascinate people. Everything from novels to TV series to films has at least touched on the subject. The scope of the discussion is vast and can range anywhere from it simply being us ceasing to exist to our souls being transferred to a Heavenly glory. What happens depends on your beliefs. Most movies will present to you their own view of what happens. But a new film leaves the door open for you to decide for yourself while at the same time offering a tremendous amount of faith. Welcome to GETTING GRACE.
Madelyn Dundon stars as Grace, a young woman dying of cancer. Grace is a free spirit who sheds her wig early on and has chosen to explore the life that she has left. All of this in spite of living with her mother Venus (Marsha Dietlein) who uses alcohol to cope with her daughter’s illness. Spotting a funeral director outside his place of business she decides to explore what comes next.
Bill Jankowski (Daniel Roebuck) is the funeral director Grace saw. She surprises him, literally, in his place of work, always at the oddest moments. Bill is a somewhat reclusive character. He’s quiet, he keeps to himself and he is set in his ways. The insertion of this young woman who is obviously not doing well but filled with life, enthusiasm, humor and more upsets that life he’s made for himself.
Grace asks Bill questions about what to expect. But she also asks him questions about things he doesn’t expect to be asked. She has a way of inserting herself that most people can’t refuse and Bill falls into that category. Wanting her to at least leave the funeral home he takes her to lunch. The two begin to develop a friendship as things progress and Grace tends to impart more to Bill than learn the answers she was seeking.
Another set of characters are involved in Grace’s life. Her time at the hospital undergoing treatment has her there with other children dealing with cancer, some towards remission and others knowing certain death is on the way. At one point she takes them on a field trip to…Bill’s funeral home. This ends in some seriously funny moments as well as ones that will touch the heart as the film progresses.
Also falling into Grace’s atmosphere is new-age author Ron Christopher whose books talk about bending spoons with your mind. Grace shows up to one of his book signings and the two also strike up a friendship but nothing near what she’s developed with Bill. Eventually she invites both Ron and Bill to her home for dinner. It isn’t until later that we discover her real motives for this.
With this everything is set in place. Grace is dealing with her upcoming death in her light hearted way, touching the lives of everyone around her as she does so. Bill is beginning to loosen up and experience life through this young woman. Venus is coping in a state of semi-denial, hiding in a bottle. And Grace’s friends are all captivated by her spirit which elevates them from the despondency that is part and parcel of their lives. But beneath all of the smiles and laughter that Grace brings them is a desire to leave behind more than just a memory.
I can’t begin to talk about how good a movie this is. There is nothing, nothing, that I didn’t like about this movie. Center to all of this is the performance by Dundon. While the entire cast does an amazing job she shines here. Without her ability to make us believe she is Grace and to bring a spark of life to a character who is dying the movie would fall apart. She does that which is so wonderful to see in someone just staring out in films.
This is the first time I’ve seen Dietlein. I was upset with this. She too displayed a depth of character that was amazing. Why she hasn’t found more notable roles is beyond me. With so many actresses being fawned over for doing far less she deserves that and more. I’ll now be looking to see what she’s in next.
Roebuck not only stars in the film but co-write the film with Jeff Lewis and directed as well. Roebuck is an easily recognizable face with over 252 roles to his credit. The display of his craft as an actor in all of those roles shows here as he too takes what could have been a cardboard cutout of a character and brings Bill Jankowski to life showing his transformation from the beginning to the end of the film.
And while one could understand that Roebuck is a well versed actor his ability to direct here shows he has far more potential than anyone has given him to this point. The film could have gone in two terrible directions. It could have been far too light which would be disrespectful to the story or it could have been too somber which would have buried the story in morbidity. Instead he deftly combines the humor and content of Grace’s journey to make a wonderful film.
Originally made in 2017 and later on DVD the film is getting new life currently. Theaters in both Ohio and Georgia are playing the film and Roebuck is making personal appearances to promote it. One can only hope that more theaters find their way to showing this film. And that it will once more be available on DVD/Blu-ray. A check at amazon found it only in used copies.
I’ve railed before about the Oscars not being focused on great movies any more and more focused on popular politics instead. If you have enough studio money behind you, you will find a way to a nomination. And if your film is woke on top of that it is guaranteed. I find they no longer offer the award to films based on merit. Watching this film reminded me of that. This film touched me on so many levels. I literally laughed out loud at moments. I sat and cried during others. Few films have that wide ranging effect on me. There is a reason I should be speaking well of this film I won’t relate here. But the reality is that I truly felt this was one of the best movies I’ve seen in some time. That it was ignored the first time around and will most likely never have a $100 million dollar box office claim is sad. That tends to happen with what are termed faith based films.
So let me say this. If the movie shows near you, make a beeline to see it. If you can’t see it in a theater (with a box of Kleenex in your lap) then go to amazon prime and rent it as I did. Or buy it. I know I intend to seek out a disc copy of it because of my love of physical media. But by all means you need to see this movie. Let it lift your spirit. Because when you watch this movie you will definitely be getting grace.
When this film is once more available I will update and let you all know. Until then if it plays near you, go see it.
👍 It was great wasn't it.
ReplyDelete