Review: And Mrs. is all heart, one way or another

As a seasoned moviegoer who’s weathered countless cinematic storms, I can say that And Mrs. has carved a unique niche in my heart. It’s not often that a film manages to tug at my heartstrings so effectively, yet maintains an air of quirkiness that keeps me engaged till the end. The movie’s premise might seem far-fetched, but it thrives under the capable hands of characters who are more than equipped to navigate its absurdities.

As a gamer, I must confess that I nearly held back tears until the very end of that movie, and I was taken aback by how long it took for me to feel the emotional pull. It’s a film with an offbeat concept, but what makes it work is the skillful way the filmmakers introduce bizarre circumstances to characters who manage to navigate them with grace.

“No proper way to grieve”

One way to rephrase this passage while maintaining its meaning is: The movie was particularly impactful because contrary to what the trailer suggested, it didn’t follow a chronological sequence of events. Instead of gradually building up to Gemma (Aisling Bea) losing her partner Nathan (Colin Hanks), we experience the suddenness of his death right from the start. In the time between Gemma going for a run and returning home, Nathan experiences a “paradoxical embolism.

Review: And Mrs. is all heart, one way or another

Intrigued by this explanation, I did some research and learned that an “Uncommon cause” refers to something unusual or rare that sets things in motion. This unique inciting incident is central to all the storylines unfolding here. Billie Lourd plays Audrey, a free-spirited younger sister of Nathan who often acts on impulse, but serves as emotional support. Sinead Cusack portrays Gemma’s mother, expressing embarrassment and reminding everyone, from the bride to the bridal shop assistant, that the groom has passed away. This tragic fact creates a strong need for emotional healing by the end of the story. Throughout the narrative, Colin Hanks appears in both flashbacks and as a current mentor who is the “Uncommon cause” driving Gemma’s quest for satisfaction and resolution.

Melissa Bubnic’s screenplay doesn’t require viewers to maintain a consistent emotional trajectory, which makes it possible for us to identify with Gemma more readily. The script presents a Herculean endeavor by both Gemma and Audrey to convince the Lord Chief Justice to endorse a necrogamy act, as well as a hen night incident that reveals underlying issues within their friendships and family ties. On the contrary, there’s a pub owner who persistently promotes his establishment amidst the tragedy, and Arthur Darvill portrays an American friend who excels at being awkward. One of the most memorable scenes involves Gemma chasing someone across London for an emotional conversation, only to find that the person couldn’t hail an Uber. Each character seems somewhat irrational on their own, but their quirks contribute to a story that wouldn’t be as engaging if they were more conventional.

“Unfortunate bond”

In a statement to reporters, Reisinger noted that several members of the production team had experienced the loss of a loved one. This shared experience created an “unavoidable connection” among them, which is evident in the raw and deeply emotional portrayals of grief by various characters.

As a devoted viewer, I couldn’t help but express that post-pandemic, the significance of movies like AND MRS, which allow us to laugh amidst sorrow, has never been greater. Almost making it through the film without shedding a tear, I found myself in tears when the credits honored the departed loved ones of the cast and crew. The poignant narrative by Reisinger about the lack of a ‘perfect’ way to grieve truly resonated with me, and it was this raw human emotion that left an indelible mark.

2024-09-19 22:32