Midlands Review of Good Grief
Good Grief
Directed by Rob Sharp
2022
Sirloin Films
The incredibly difficult consequences and heartache surrounding the loss of a child is the main theme explored in a new 10-minute short directed by Midlands filmmaker Rob Sharp.
We begin with the unwrapping of a present where a young girl enjoys her gift of a bike as her mother (Mercedes Assad as Natalia) films on her phone to capture this celebratory shared moment.
Elsewhere, another woman (Solaya Sang) awakes in the morning and heads to a child’s room, a girl (Bethany Asher as Ella) attends a medical appointment before a third story sees expectant mum Amy (Abigail Pidgeon) get into a car as her partner drives her off to hospital.
These times of anticipated joy are part of four stories the film excellently manages to balance as it crosscuts between these women. But sadly, each one soon experiences a monumental tragedy.
A visit from the police informs Natalia that her daughter has died in a road traffic accident. This leads to a literal and metaphorical darkness descending on her when given the news.
Amy meanwhile is curled up in a maternity bed with only the (well-edited) sound of babies’ cries in the hospital, which only add to her agony. And we are left with only our own thoughts to imagine her full heartbreak.
And so Good Grief rightly focuses on those affected by these tragedies, rather than the shock of the incidents happening on screen. And it is all the more powerful because of it.
(review continues after photo...)
Director Rob Sharp also demonstrates a lot of dexterity with different film techniques such as the use of mobile phone footage, using its screen to bring us into a world we recognise. But from those happier moments, the use of slow-motion and long takes expertly focuses the audience’s attention on each person and their intimate moments of sorrow.
Halfway through, we see a scene where characters hear voices from well-meaning family and friends but their words ring hollow during a time of such sadness. This is followed by sequences showing how they try to “handle” a ball of glowing pain which, at the start, is causing nothing but distress.
And time literally seems to stand still as the thoughts, emotions and pain consistently hover over each of these characters.
It has to be said, an inclusive cast do very well with the sensitive material - bringing depth, the frustrations and obviously the intensely upsetting emotions experienced by those who have suffered through tragedies like these. And Line of Duty actress Vicky McClure adds further gravitas with an emotional voiceover.
Bethany Asher from Leicester is the standout star though. The actress, who has Down's syndrome, gives an amazingly fantastic performance showing vulnerability, empathy and resilience in just a few short scenes.
From sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), a miscarriage, a stillborn baby and the road traffic accident each of the women allows themselves to experience the multitude of emotions that come with such disasters.
And the film links grief in these circumstance with the amount of love felt for the child now gone. It also explores how strength and time can help with a wide-range of feelings but also acknowledges how holding onto the right amount of grief (love) is no bad thing in itself.
As it wraps up, Good Grief finishes as an extraordinary accomplished short film delving into taboo and delicate topics with sensitivity but also with purpose. And although not explicitly stated, the fact the narrative follows four stories shows that there are many others who have gone through similar events. And these are people who could possibly share their stories and support each other at a time when it’s difficult to find meaning after such a loss.
And in the end, if you combine these brilliantly handled themes with the wonderful cinematic techniques, you’ll find that Good Grief is therefore not just good, it’s great.
★★★★★
5/5
Michael Sales
The film was made in conjunction with Forever Stars, an East Midlands charity dedicated to supporting families who've suffered a stillbirth or infant loss. Check out their work here: https://www.foreverstars.org/
