Our Long Goodbye (2024)

-Written by Kyle Bain. 

Mark (David Attar) is a struggling musician, trying to make his way into dive bars in order to propel his career forward. However, the struggles that he faces at home with his father, Charles (Peter Hall), an elderly man plagued by dementia, are far worse than those of his career. Our Long Goodbye is Mark’s story as he uses music to cope with life and connect with his father in ways that he no longer believed to be possible. 

Opening to the smooth, calming voice of Attar, Our Long Goodbye invites viewers in early, truly allowing us entrance into the film and into the life of this struggling man. While his voice is calming and somewhat serene, it’s clear that there is pain hidden within him that he’s attempting to release without overwhelming his audience (both the audience within the film and the viewers at home). This idea comes through clearly, and as a result it’s very easy to connect with Mark. He feels honest and vulnerable–and with his incredibly smooth entrance, viewers are able to see that and appreciate him throughout the course of Our Long Goodbye. 

Pain and suffering exists in every crevice of Our Long Goodbye, and it constantly creeps out into the open for viewers to see. We are present in Mark and Charles’ story, in their relationship. This is certainly a testament to the writing of Writer-Director Dave Beamish, but it also comes to life thanks to the precision of Director of Photography Andy Brown. Through a series of closeups throughout the film, viewers, again, feel connected to these characters, almost playing a role in their journey through this hell. Everything works to ensure that viewers understand and appreciate the characters, their story, and how it applies to each and every one of us. Sure, we follow Mark and the difficulties that he faces with his dementia-ridden father, but this experience extends far beyond just this. Our Long Goodbye extends into the far reaches of humanity and touches every crevice of human emotion and misfortune. 

The set design and the use of color to tell the story works in the same way that just about everything else does in Our Long Goodbye. The use of drab neutral colors existing in every location, surrounding Mark and his every move, further strengthens the understanding of this character and the hardship that exists within this story. 

With glimpses of happiness strewn throughout the film, Beamish does all that he can to ensure that viewers don’t go over the edge, overwhelmed by the drama and intensity that exists in every fiber of Our Long Goodbye. Beamish lets viewers know that not everything is pain and suffering, and that, even in the most difficult times, there is the potential for a silver lining. Again and again viewers see muted colors, hear somber tones, and nearly feel exactly what Mark and Charles would in these powerful moments. Our Long Goodbye is a sensory experience from start to finish; and as the film concludes and viewers learn that this is based on a true story, the power of this journey becomes all the more impressive. 

Written & Directed by Dave Beamish. 

Starring David Attar, Peter Hall, Carmel Amit, Timothy Lyle, Breanne Williamson, Spencer Graham, Dave Beamish, etc. 

8.5/10 = WORTH RENTING OR BUYING

Courtesy of Crazy8s Film Society