Watch That Good Night
- 2020
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6.6 (747)
That Good Night is a moving and deeply compassionate drama that tells the story of a dying writer named Ralph (John Hurt), who is seeking to reconcile with his estranged son, Michael (Max Brown), before his life comes to an end. The film is directed by Eric Styles and is adapted from the play of the same name by N.J. Crisp. Hurt delivers an extraordinary performance as Ralph, a man who has lived a long and successful life as a writer, but who is now facing his own mortality. As he grapples with the reality of death, Ralph is forced to confront the mistakes he has made in his life, particularly his neglect of Michael, who he abandoned when he was just a child. Helin also shines as Ralph's devoted wife, Anna, who is struggling to come to terms with her husband's decline and the difficult relationships he has left behind.
The film takes place over the course of Ralph's last days, during which he seeks to make amends with Michael in the hope of healing old wounds before it's too late. The two are reunited in the family's remote villa in Portugal, where they begin to explore the reasons for their estrangement and the emotions and secrets that lie beneath.
Throughout the film, Hurt gives a masterful performance, conveying both the physical and emotional pain of someone facing death. He is at once proud, stubborn, and also very vulnerable, as he grapples with the questions of what his life has meant and how he will be remembered. Meanwhile, Brown also delivers a strong performance as Michael, a man who has been hurt deeply by his father's absence and who is struggling to find his own path in life.
The film is shot beautifully, with stunning landscapes of the Portuguese coastline and countryside providing a fitting backdrop to the intensity and emotion of the story. Alongside the main cast, there are also some great supporting roles, including that of Anna's nurse, played by Charles Dance.
That Good Night is a thought-provoking and heartfelt exploration of one man's struggle to find meaning and redemption before he dies. It touches on timeless themes such as love, family, and forgiveness, and brings them to life through a powerful and engaging story that will stay with viewers long after the credits have rolled. It is a fitting tribute to the late John Hurt, who passed away just a few months after the film's release.
That Good Night is a 2020 drama. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6.