This absorbing drama follows a graphic artist as he comes to grips with the imminent death of his father, who, at 75, has one last secret: He’s gay.
A Heartfelt Exploration of Love, Loss, and Identity
Mike Mills’ Beginners (2010) is a tender, semi autobiographical drama that blends humor and melancholy with grace. Starring Ewan McGregor, Christopher Plummer (in an Oscar winning role), and Mélanie Laurent, the film explores grief, sexuality, and the courage to start anew. With 36 awards and a 105 minutes runtime, this indie gem remains a poignant standout.
Plot & Themes: A Father’s Secret, A Son’s Journey
After his father Hal (Plummer) dies of cancer, Oliver (McGregor) grapples with two revelations: Hal came out as gay at 75 and embraced life with a younger boyfriend (Goran Visnjic). The story shifts between Oliver’s memories of Hal’s late in life liberation and his own tentative romance with French actress Anna (Laurent). Mills weaves themes of inherited loneliness and the struggle to connect, using quirky visuals (subtitles for a dog’s thoughts) to soften the sorrow.
Performances: Nuanced & Unforgettable
Plummer shines as Hal, balancing terminal illness with childlike joy. His Oscar win for Best Supporting Actor highlights his ability to convey vulnerability and defiance in a single glance. McGregor delivers quiet introspection as Oliver, a graphic artist haunted by his parents’ loveless marriage. Laurent brings warmth as Anna, though their romance occasionally feels underdeveloped. The real scene stealer? Cosmo the dog, whose subtitled musings add levity.
Direction & Tone: Quietly Revolutionary
Mills, drawing from his own father’s late coming out, infuses the film with authenticity. Flashbacks to Hal’s 1960s marriage reveal stifled desires, contrasting with his vibrant final years. The director uses split screens, archival footage, and a muted palette to mirror Oliver’s fractured emotions. The soundtrack, mixing classical and indie tunes, underscores the story’s bittersweet rhythm.
Legacy & Awards
Beyond Plummer’s Oscar, Beginners earned accolades for its screenplay and direction. Critics praised its delicate handling of LGBTQ+ themes and intergenerational healing. The film’s influence echoes in later works like Call Me By Your Name and Love Is Strange.
Final Verdict
Beginners is a must watch for fans of intimate character studies. Its blend of wit and wisdom, plus Plummer’s career best performance, makes it resonate long after the credits. While the pacing drags at times, its emotional honesty rewards patience.