It is often said that when we lose a loved one, we often lose a part of ourselves. In mourning, we have to come to terms with the loss and where we are headed in the future. Who are we now that part of us is gone? Demolition starring Jake Gyllenhaal and Naomi Watts discusses the various aspects with healing and finding oneself. Davis Mitchell (Jake Gyllenhaal) returns to work after losing his wife in a horrific car accident.
While grieving, he writes a complaint letter to a vending machine company about a recent experience he had while waiting in the hospital. Through the letters he lets a stranger and the audience in on his mindset and the reality that he feels disconnected from the world, his wife, and himself. When the company’s customer service rep reads the letters, she feels compelled to contact Davis. She offers a sympathetic ear to his pain and numbness. As their friendship grows, he begins to rebuild his life. The task is large and requires him to follow the advice that his father-in-law passed down to him; In order to fix something, sometimes you need to take it all apart in order to see how it works. Davis begins to deconstruct various pieces of his life in order to find peace with his loss so he can move forward.
Demolition offers a unique and provocative look at loss, grief, and identity. This is a film that will have its audience asking questions about their own lives and if they feel fulfilled or satisfied. The plot stays with you. The performances of each of the characters carries the story and makes us truly connect with them. There isn’t a single moment when you cease to care about who they are or what their lives have in store. There is depth and authenticity throughout this film.
4.5/5
