Watch Permanent Record

Permanent Record is a 1988 drama film that explores the aftermath of suicide and the guilt and grief that comes with it. The film stars Alan Boyce as David Sinclair, a high school student who seemingly has it all - good looks, popularity, and a promising future. However, David's life takes a dark turn when his best friend Chris Townsend, played by Keanu Reeves, commits suicide. The tragic event leaves David with feelings of guilt and confusion, ultimately leading him on a journey of self-discovery and redemption.

The film begins with a montage of David's seemingly perfect life. He goes to school, hangs out with friends, and plays in a band. Everything seems to be going well for David until he finds out that his best friend Chris has taken his own life. The news shocks David, and he struggles to come to terms with the loss. As he tries to make sense of what happened, David becomes obsessed with finding out why Chris would do such a thing.

David's search for answers leads him to explore his own feelings about life and death. He becomes distant from his friends and family, isolating himself as he tries to piece things together. His once-perfect life starts to unravel, and he contemplates suicide himself. However, David ultimately decides to use his pain as inspiration, turning to music as a way of coping with his grief.

Throughout the film, David's family and friends struggle to understand what he's going through. His parents (played by Louise Fletcher and Chris Mulkey) are depicted as well-meaning but mostly oblivious to his pain, while his girlfriend Tanya (Pamela Gidley) tries to be supportive but is ultimately unable to connect with him on a deeper level. The relationships between these characters add depth to the film and help to illustrate the isolation and loneliness that David is feeling.

One of the standout performances in the film is delivered by Keanu Reeves, who plays Chris in flashback scenes. Though he has little screen time, Reeves is able to convey a sense of desperation and hopelessness that is both haunting and heartbreaking. It's clear that Chris was struggling with his own demons, and his suicide serves as a wake-up call for David and the other characters in the film.

The music in Permanent Record is also worth noting. The film's soundtrack features several original songs performed by David and his band, and these musical moments effectively capture the emotional turmoil that the characters are going through. The songs are raw and honest, helping to convey the film's themes of grief, guilt, and redemption.

Overall, Permanent Record is a powerful and thought-provoking film that tackles a difficult topic with sensitivity and honesty. The film is well-paced, and the performances by its talented cast help to bring the story to life. While it may not be the most well-known film from the 1980s, Permanent Record is definitely worth a watch for fans of thought-provoking dramas.

Permanent Record is a 1988 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 31 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.3.