Life Itself 2018

The film begins with a narration by Samuel L. Jackson introducing us to the central character, a charming gay man named Henry, portrayed by Jake Robinson. As Henry engages in a conversation with his therapist, Dr. Cait Morris played by Annette Bening, Jackson’s narrator seems unimpressed and shifts his attention to Cait. A moment later, as Cait strolls down the street with a smile of gratitude in response to a compliment from Will Dempsey played by Oscar Isaac, tragedy strikes when she is unexpectedly hit by a bus.

This scene serves as a peculiar setup for an “unreliable Samuel L. Jackson narrator” script that Will is crafting. Will’s day takes a turn as he indulges in coffee laced with alcohol and Xanax, leading him to sing obnoxiously in public. His therapy sessions with Cait reveal a tumultuous past following his wife Abby played by Olivia Wilde leaving him.

Through flashbacks, we unravel their life together, marked by Abby’s love for Bob Dylan and their beloved dog, whimsically named Fuckface. Will recounts their earlier days, detailing Abby’s tragic childhood filled with loss and abuse, culminating in a brave moment when she stands up to her uncle. They bond over a Halloween party, where Will, dressed as Vincent Vega, proposes to Abby.

In therapy, Will reflects on his relationship with Abby and questions how everything fell apart. A particularly painful memory resurfaces as Will describes the day they were expecting their daughter—a moment shattered when Abby is struck by a bus right after expressing joy about having a girl. As he attempts to revive her, tragedy befalls him as well, with heartbreaking consequences that lead to a desperate decision.

As we transition to Dylan Dempsey, their daughter played by Olivia Cooke, we witness the shadows of her parents’ past following her. Growing up amidst loss, Dylan grapples with her relationship with her grandfather, Irwin played by Mandy Patinkin, after losing her grandmother Linda portrayed by Jean Smart. On her 21st birthday, conflicts arise as she navigates her emotions through music, leading to violent confrontations at a gig, while still haunted by visions of her mother.

Meanwhile, across the ocean in Spain, Vincent Saccione played by Antonio Banderas becomes entangled in the story, alongside Javier González portrayed by Sergio Peris-Mencheta. Saccione’s troubled history unfolds contrasting with Javier’s affection for his girlfriend Isabel Diaz played by Laia Costa and their son Rodrigo. Saccione’s misguided attempts to bond with Rodrigo lead to a heartbreaking sequence of events, echoing the theme of grief.

As Rodrigo matures, he faces his own challenges, including dealing with a tumultuous relationship which leaves him overwhelmed. Isabel, aware of her illness, becomes a poignant figure in his life, culminating in a scene filled with emotional weight as he receives news of her passing.

In the poignant finale, we meet Elena played by Lorenza Izzo, the daughter of Rodrigo and Dylan, who shares a touching account of her family’s legacy and the lessons she carries from her parents and grandmothers. She reflects on how these interconnected lives shape her existence.

The film closes with Will reminiscing over a moment with a pregnant Abby, tying together the threads of life, love, and the impact of choices.