Moonlight Mile

Moonlight Mile is about a young man, played by Jake Gyllenhaal, grieving the loss of his fiancée and coping by living with her parents, portrayed by Susan Sarandon and Dustin Hoffman. It's a film that, instead of focusing on loud grieving and tear-filled sequences, brings forth the more mundane aspects of dealing with loss.

While the narrative could veer into melodramatic territory, it remains grounded in realism. The performances are profoundly touching, particularly Gyllenhaal, who brings so much depth to what could have been a simple part. Sarandon and Hoffman are equally strong, and their scenes together are both heartbreaking and beautifully human.

The film doesn't shy away from the quirkiness of humans, even in grief, and this makes the characters feel all the more real. On the downside, the romantic subplot somehow feels a bit forced and inconsistent with the tone of the rest of the movie. Still, if you're looking for a contemplative, emotion-filled movie rather than a blockbuster, it's worth a view.