Is Good Grief Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2021)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

Good Grief, a standout production of 2021, meticulously weaves its narrative threads through the Drama landscape, offering a cinematic experience that is as challenging as it is rewarding. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Following the success of Platform Presents’ world first, online, live, theatrical production of A Separate Peace in May 2020, they are thrilled to follow with the launch of Lorien Haynes' romantic comedy Good Grief directed by Natalie Abrahami (RSC, National Theatre, Young Vic) and starring BAFTA award-winning Sian Clifford (Fleabag) and Nikesh Patel (Artemis Fowl). As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Drama are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "Following the success of Platform Presents’ world first, online, live, theatrical production of A Separate Peace in May 2020, they are thrilled to follow with the launch of Lorien Haynes' romantic comedy Good Grief directed by Natalie Abrahami (RSC, National Theatre, Young Vic) and starring BAFTA award-winning Sian Clifford (Fleabag) and Nikesh Patel (Artemis Fowl). Also part of this predominantly female strong team are Isobel Waller-Bridge, re-partnering with Sian Clifford having worked with Sian on ‘Fleabag’, who is developing the sound design and score. Alongside her is Fin Oates as Editor, (I Hate Suzie), award-winning Emma Dalesman as Director of Photography, Natalie Pryce as Production Designer (winner, Production Designer, Black Theatre Awards 2020). This new production, which takes the best of theatre and television production, aims to create an unmissable theatrical event for 2021."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. Sian Clifford does an admirable job with the material provided, but one can't help but feel that a more daring directorial approach would have yielded a more impactful result. It is a competent but ultimately standard genre performance.

The direction by Natalie Abrahami is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 50 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is Good Grief truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Drama, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 0/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, Good Grief explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2021 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Natalie Abrahami respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, Good Grief is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Sian Clifford or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Good Grief is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.