Quick Info
So, "Beginners" is a quietly affecting romantic drama that crept up on me more than I expected. It weaves together the story of Oliver (Ewan McGregor), a graphic designer coping with two big life changes: the recent death of his father (Christopher Plummer) and his own stuttering attempts at a new relationship. The movie jumps between timelines, so you see Oliver’s memories of his father coming out as gay late in life and the cautious, gently awkward romance that forms between Oliver and Anna (Mélanie Laurent).
What really stands out is how "Beginners" balances humor and melancholy. There’s this lovely, understated sense of whimsy—helped along by Oliver’s Jack Russell Terrier, who “talks” via subtitles—and shots that feel both intimate and dreamy. The film never shouts about its emotions, instead letting grief and hope trickle through in the small details: a hand on a shoulder, a hesitant smile, the weight of silence between lines.
Christopher Plummer is seriously the highlight here. He brings so much warmth and vulnerability to Hal, the father whose late-in-life coming out is handled with such tenderness by everyone involved. Ewan McGregor plays Oliver as guarded but deeply sensitive, and Mélanie Laurent is both mysterious and irresistible, though Anna’s backstory could’ve used just a bit more fleshing out. Their chemistry isn’t fireworks-hot, but it feels real and lived-in, which suits the movie’s vibe perfectly.
If there’s a flaw, it’s that sometimes the film’s artsy tendencies—like the slightly nonlinear editing or the cutesy use of graphics—can feel a touch self-conscious. But if you’re into indie romance, or if films about how people try to love after loss appeal to you, the mood here will probably win you over. The color grading and camera work are gentle and inviting, with a kind of vintage softness that matches the characters’ vulnerability.
You would enjoy this if you like your romances bittersweet and honest, and if you appreciate performances that linger long after the credits roll. It’s a great pick for anyone who liked movies like "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind" or "Her," but wants something a little quieter and more grounded.
