Watch A Short History of Decay

A Short History of Decay is a heartwarming and genuine dramedy that explores the themes of love, loss, and self-discovery. The movie, released in 2014, stars Emmanuelle Chriqui, Bryan Greenberg, and Harris Yulin in leading roles. The film follows the story of Nathan Fisher (Bryan Greenberg), a writer based in New York, who is struggling to overcome his writer's block and is forced to move back in with his aging parents, Bob (Harris Yulin) and Deena (Linda Lavin) in Florida, after breaking up with his girlfriend. Nathan finds himself in a mid-life crisis as he navigates through uncertain times and tries to find his place in the world.

As he spends more time with his parents, he begins to recognize their own struggles with aging, sickness, and the fear of losing each other. His father, Bob, is battling Parkinson's disease, and his mother, Deena, is constantly worried about his health. Nathan is forced to confront his own mortality and the inevitability of death.

Nathan’s return to his childhood home also reunites him with his childhood sweetheart, Erika (Emmanuelle Chriqui), who is caring for her sick mother in the same neighborhood. Nathan and Erika quickly reconnect, and their friendship gradually blossoms into romance. As Nathan realizes that his love for Erika is different from the past, the couple embarks on a journey to explore their newfound love and learn more about themselves.

The film boasts charming performances by Greenberg and Chriqui, who bring depth and authenticity to their roles. Their chemistry is palpable, and their relationship is breathtakingly realistic. The movie depicts how mature love can still have playful moments, yet evoke serious reflection on life's intricacies, and resonates with the audience.

Harris Yulin and Linda Lavin's portrayals of Bob and Deena are impeccable. They add depth to their characters' aging existence and a lifetime of shared memories. Bob's struggle with Parkinson's disease and feeling robbed of his physical independence yet still wants to contribute is heart-wrenching. Deena's worry and non-stop attempts to keep everything together is very relatable as many people in the elderly population strive to sustain independence.

The movie's Florida setting provides a peaceful backdrop and contrasts Nathan's fast-paced New York lifestyle. The city scenes feature vivacious colors, while the Florida scenes are reminiscent of a warm sunset. These elements give the audience an intimate look into the characters' lives and the struggles that they go through as they reconcile with their realities.

Director Michael Maren has done an exceptional job in creating a poignant film that presents the complexity of a family's dynamic in refreshing ways. Maren's writing is clever, and the dialogue is witty, but not trite. This movie packs an emotional punch that leaves a lasting impact on its viewers. The movie is not afraid to tackle serious issues, yet it maintains a lighthearted tone that guarantees laughter and tears in sync. The film's run time of just under ninety minutes makes it a good fit for a cozy evening with friends or a solo night at home.

In conclusion, A Short History of Decay is a well-written, impeccably acted, and beautifully shot film. Its themes of love, loss, and finding oneself not only offer a glimpse into the characters' lives but also provide thought-provoking reflections on life's moments. The movie is an excellent representation of how relationships can evolve and keep growing despite the difficulties of life. It is a must-watch for anyone who enjoys a funny, honest, and touching story about love and the challenges that come with it.

A Short History of Decay is a 2014 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 34 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.8 and a MetaScore of 54.