Paint It Black

"Paint It Black" is a gripping drama film directed by Amber Tamblyn, based on the novel of the same name by Janet Fitch. The movie revolves around Josie (played by Alia Shawkat), a young woman struggling with the tragic death of her boyfriend, Michael (Rhys Wakefield).

At the beginning of the movie, we see Michael's mother, Meredith (Janet McTeer), trying to cope with the sudden loss of her son. She is a successful pianist, but her grief starts to take a toll on her mental health, and she becomes increasingly isolated and erratic.

Josie, on the other hand, is adrift and lost in her pain. She works in a bookstore and spends her days drinking and doing drugs, clinging to anything that will numb her pain. She is angry at Michael for leaving her behind and haunted by his memory.

When Josie receives news of Michael's death, she is in denial and refuses to believe it. But the reality of the situation soon sinks in, and she is plunged into a deep depression. At the funeral, Josie meets Meredith, and the two women quickly form a twisted and complicated bond.

The movie is a raw and emotional exploration of grief, loss, and the complex ways people cope with tragedy. It is also a rumination on the nature of relationships, motherhood, and the ways in which people can become entwined in each other's lives.

The performances in "Paint It Black" are exceptional, particularly by Alia Shawkat and Janet McTeer. Shawkat delivers a powerful and nuanced performance as Josie, portraying the character's pain and anger with raw vulnerability. McTeer, on the other hand, is magnetic as Meredith, delivering a performance that is equal parts haunting and sympathetic.

The film's pacing is deliberate, and the moody, dream-like cinematography helps create a tense and unsettling atmosphere. It is clear that Tamblyn has a deep understanding of the source material, and she does an excellent job of bringing Fitch's characters and themes to life on the screen.

Overall, "Paint It Black" is a haunting and deeply affecting movie that is not easy to shake off after viewing. It is an intimate and personal exploration of grief and loss that will resonate with anyone who has experienced the pain of losing someone they love.