The Funeral Guest

The Funeral Guest is a 2015 drama film exploring the themes of grief, love, and relationships. It revolves around Emily (Julianna Robinson), a young woman who attends funerals of strangers in order to find solace in her own life. In the process, she meets a young man named Jack (Nick Eyde) at one of the funerals, and they soon develop a bond. However, Jack is struggling with his own loss, and Emily must navigate their relationship as it becomes increasingly complicated.

The film begins with Emily attending a funeral for an older woman she has never met. It is clear that Emily is not there out of obligation, but because she finds comfort in mourning the dead. She listens intently to the eulogy, to the stories of the deceased's life, and feels as if she is a part of something greater. As the film progresses, we see Emily attending more funerals, and it becomes clear that these gatherings are a coping mechanism for her.

During one funeral, Emily meets Jack, who is attending the service for his own reasons. They strike up a conversation, and Emily is drawn to Jack's honesty and openness. Soon, they are spending more and more time together, first attending funerals together, then branching out to other activities. However, as their relationship grows, it becomes clear that Jack is not as emotionally available as Emily originally thought. He is still grappling with the loss of his own loved one, and his grief often manifests itself in unpredictable ways. Emily must navigate this emotional landscape and decide whether or not she can continue to be with Jack as he works through his own pain.

Throughout the film, we see Emily struggling with her own grief as well. She has experienced loss in her own life, but finds comfort in attending the funerals of strangers. The film explores the idea of communal mourning, and how people come together to grieve and find solace in one another. Emily's journey serves as a representation of this idea, as she navigates her own pain while offering comfort to others.

The Funeral Guest is a slow-burning film that is driven by its characters and their relationships. The performances by the two leads, Robinson and Eyde, are nuanced and authentic, and the chemistry between them is palpable. The film is beautifully shot, with a muted color palette that reflects the somber tone. The use of close-ups and tight framing give the viewer a sense of intimacy with the characters, making it feel as if we are right there with Emily and Jack as they navigate their emotions.

Overall, The Funeral Guest is a poignant and thought-provoking film that explores the complex nature of grief and human connection. It is a reminder that even in our darkest moments, we can find comfort and solace in one another.