Watch Claire Is Dead

Claire Is Dead is a 2013 drama-thriller directed by Jared Wohl and tells the story of three friends, Holden (Aidan Bristow), Trevor (Cory Driscoll), and Claire (Avital Ash), whose relationship is put to test when Claire unexpectedly dies. The film opens by introducing the three protagonists, who are all living in Los Angeles and sharing an apartment. Holdan is an aspiring musician, Trevor is a struggling writer, and Claire is a med student. The dynamic between the three friends is established early on, and the chemistry between the actors is genuine and believable.

The plot takes a dramatic turn when Claire dies suddenly in a car accident. The event sends Holden and Trevor into a state of shock, and they struggle to come to terms with the loss of their friend. At first, the two men lean on each other for support, but as time goes on, their grief begins to manifest itself in different ways.

Holdan begins to spiral out of control, turning to drugs and alcohol to cope with his pain. He also starts to suspect that Claire's death was not an accident and becomes obsessed with uncovering the truth about what happened to her. Meanwhile, Trevor isolates himself from the world, retreating into his writing and cutting himself off from any emotional connections.

The film's pacing is slow and deliberate, reflecting the numbness and confusion that the characters are experiencing. The mood is melancholy, and the soundtrack features introspective indie rock songs that complement the film's mood. The LA setting is used effectively, with shots of the city's winding streets and neon lights adding to the sense of isolation and disorientation that the characters feel.

The performances are excellent across the board, but Bristow's performance as Holdan is particularly noteworthy. He deftly navigates the character's descent into addiction and paranoia, delivering a nuanced and compelling performance.

One of the film's strengths is its exploration of grief and trauma. It examines how different people process loss and how it can force us to confront our own mortality. The script is empathetic and sensitive, never resorting to cliches or easy answers.

The film also touches on themes of guilt and responsibility, particularly in relation to Claire's death. The characters all feel a sense of culpability for what happened, and the film explores how this impacts their relationships with each other.

Claire Is Dead is a haunting and affecting film that will stay with you long after the credits roll. It's a poignant meditation on grief, friendship, and the fragility of life. While it may not be a film for everyone, those who appreciate character-driven dramas and understated storytelling will find much to admire here.

Claire Is Dead is a 2016 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 39 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.7.