Beginners
Director: Mike Mills
Actors: Ewan McGregor, Christopher Plummer, Mélanie Laurent
PlotOliver, a graphic designer, reflects on the life and coming-out experience of his 75-year-old father, Hal, after his passing. Hal, who had been married to Oliver’s mother for decades, reveals he is gay following her death. This revelation leads Hal to embrace a new life filled with vitality, love, and self-discovery, which deeply influences Oliver. As Oliver sifts through his father’s belongings and memories, he wrestles with his own struggles related to love, happiness, and his tendency to avoid emotional intimacy.
The film juxtaposes Oliver’s journey to understanding his father’s newfound openness with his own romantic endeavors. He meets Anna, a free-spirited actress, and their growing relationship encourages him to address his hesitations and fears about commitment and vulnerability. Through various flashbacks and interactions, Oliver grapples with the legacy of his parents' complex relationship and his father’s late-in-life transformation, finding parallels and contrasts to his current life. The narrative weaves together themes of love, identity, and the courage to embrace change, offering a poignant look at how past experiences shape present lives.
Writers: Mike Mills
Release Date: 09 Jun 2011
Runtime: 105 min
Rating: R
Country: United States
Language: English, French
Home Video Reviews
This Blu-ray of 'Beginners' features modest video and audio quality that fittingly supports the heartfelt, quirky film with fantastic performances and insightful commentary.
Read our review of Beginners Blu-ray to find out more