lucascastaneda-56244

Never has a depiction of tying shoelaces made me so emotional. This film was an incredibly realistic depiction of divorce and the extreme toll it can take on both parties. Simultaneously an exhausting film it is also very humorous and true. Both of the main actors gave the most amazing performances. Although everyone wants a happy ending, life seldom works out in the way hoped for. This film gets dark but there is a bright yet stunted light at the end of the tunnel. Neither wife nor husband get what they had ultimately wanted yet they both are content. There is a strange serenity that sets in at the end of the film. Nothing can be perfect, but with enough effort, everything can be enough.

This film had made me into an emotional mess. This film is not perfect but it portrays an unequaled story of addiction from two, very important, point of views. The basis of the film is the bond between father and son. Throughout the film, the current events are intercut with scenes from Nic Scheff's childhood. This juxtaposition emphasizes the bond that they shared, and the difficulty of parenting another human being. The fact that Nic will make his own decision's weighs heavily on David's mind. The film was shot beautifully and had some fantastic music to go along with the cinematography. Overall, this film was a fantastic, if not an ultimately depressing, watch.

8.5/10.