Watch A Long Way Down

A Long Way Down is a 2014 British black comedy film based on the novel of the same name by Nick Hornby. The movie tells the story of four individuals from different walks of life who all find themselves on the same rooftop on New Year's Eve with the intention to jump off the building and end their lives. However, they end up forming an unlikely bond and agree to postpone their suicides until Valentine's Day.

Pierce Brosnan plays Martin, a disgraced television personality who lost everything after having an affair with a 15-year-old girl. Toni Collette plays Maureen, a single mother who is caring for her severely disabled son. Imogen Poots plays Jess, a rebellious teenager who is struggling with her own personal demons. Lastly, Aaron Paul plays J.J., a failed musician who is devastated over his girlfriend's departure.

Director Pascal Chaumeil successfully balances humor and sensitivity in this poignant story of four broken people who, despite their intentions, find hope and connection in each other. The film tackles heavy issues like depression, suicide, and grief with a lighthearted touch that avoids crossing over into insensitivity.

The film is set in London and is shot in a way that evokes the mood of the city. The scenes on the rooftop, in particular, are beautifully shot, and the aerial shots of London at night are breathtaking. The film also features a fitting soundtrack that adds to the overall melancholic yet hopeful tone of the story.

The performances of the ensemble cast are all outstanding, and their distinct personalities and backstories make each character relatable and sympathetic. Brosnan is particularly impressive as Martin, portraying him as a man who is both bitter about his fall from grace and wanting redemption. Collette as Maureen is also exceptional, delivering a subtle and nuanced performance that highlights the struggles of a woman who has been overlooked and burdened by responsibility.

The film also touches on the idea of fame and the impact it can have on a person's life, portraying how it can be both a blessing and a curse. The film uses Martin's character, a once-famous TV host, to examine the toll that fame can take on someone's life and how public perception can easily turn against them.

The themes of the movie are heavy but are handled delicately with skillful nuance. The film's main message centers around the power of connection and how even in the darkest of moments, human connection can help us find a way out of despair. The film's portrayal of mental health, depression, and suicidal ideation deserves admiration for its level of sensitivity and honesty.

Overall, A Long Way Down is a powerful story of finding hope in the most unlikely of places. It's an excellent exploration of mental health, depression, friendship, and the search for meaning in life. The movie will undoubtedly leave its viewers feeling with a greater appreciation for the gift of life and the healing power of connection.

A Long Way Down is a 2014 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 36 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.3 and a MetaScore of 34.