Dan Levy really hopes audiences across the globe find comfort in their own struggles through Good Grief.
The latest release from Netflix, which Levy wrote, directed and stars in, follows character, Marc, whose life is turned upside down when his husband, Oliver, dies suddenly in an accident.
Levy’s character shines as an artist and illustrator whose talent is being smothered, just a little, by the career of his superstar writer husband, Oliver (Luke Evans), whose work has spawned a multibillion dollar movie franchise. Marc is happy in the relationship but grieving the recent loss of his mother. He has a Richard Curtisian gallery of adorable mates: art dealer and former boyfriend Thomas (Himesh Patel) is always complaining about his love life, and Sophie (Ruth Negga) is impetuous and chaotic.
The movie, which starts streaming on Netflix on January 5, is a drama which Levy hopes his fans will connect with even though it is outside the comedic work for which he is known.
“I think it’s very rare to be given an opportunity to do something so different from what people know you to do and that takes a leap of faith from, in this case, from Netflix to greenlight something that’s so different,” Levy said.
Although lighthearted, the film shows how friendship can help through the process of mourning. “I think there’s this fear … that sharing your fears or your sadness is a burden on your friendships, but I think that is the greatest act of love ultimately,” Levy said.
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To create the friendship bond, he arranged for Patel, Negga and himself to connect over several weeks before shooting, including doing an escape room together in London, which Levy said had “everyone’s skill sets just put on display.”
Whether it is comedy or drama, he wants people to see that his work resonates across genres.
Speaking to Reuters, Levy previously stated, “I cared very deeply about Schitt’s Creek and I think the common theme here is that both of these projects have a very large heartbeat to them, and I hope will mean something to people in very different ways,” he said. Levy’s multiyear deal with Netflix began in 2021.
As of late, Levy signed a deal with Netflix to produce both movies and television shows for the streaming giant. The star knew it was a risk coming off of comedy films and series to one like this, but he knows the movie will resonate with audiences everywhere.
Levy’s presence behind and in front of the camera make Good Grief a worthy watch.
