Madonna Dougherty

Interesting artistry throughout with the first half using framed photos as reflection and in the second half bright varied lights, out of focus. Ultimately this is a film about family tragedy, the roots thereof, and what may heal us. Some shots lingered a bit long though, even for being a melancholic film. In the end, it is the fragility and necessity of communicating our inner vulnerabilities and guilt that seem to reconcile the tragedies of life. And how abuse whether emotional (Ty’s father) and unintended, or physical and intended (Luke’s father) takes it toll no matter how we try to push it away. Overall a film worth watching.

Derek is Gervais’ ode to his own family, who have worked in care and nursing home care for 40+ years in the UK, is poigant, crude and yes, most definitely funny at times. Derek represents kindness and does so starkly and innocently. Just as death is experienced and shown within these walls of elderly care head on, as though we’re going through it with them. And we also ride along with Derek as he learns - yet really teaches - about forgiveness. This series is one of my favs of his work.

We watched this last night. Yet we were pleasantly surprised. After seeing the Rotten Tomatoes score, I think it’s misunderstood. It’s not a rom-com despite the marketing. That’s just the backdrop of a postcard in the style of Irish pub storytelling. It’s not about romance per se but rather family, grieving, and more (like a few knocks on Americans, consumerism, et al). Basically it’s about the dialogue, not the story.