Touching and filled with good performances, That Good Night is a melancholy affair.
Ralph, a once-famous screenwriter, is in his seventies and terminally ill. He has two final missions: to be reconciled to his son, Michael, and, secretly, to ensure he is not a burden to his wife, Anna, as he goes "into that good night.”
John Hurt sadly passed away in his seventies in January this year and this is his final film. He was a true master of his craft and this film is a great way to showcase that. Charles Dance is equally as good, in fact the whole cast is superb. The script is based on the play and that doesn’t always work. The conversations and critique of the current state of writing are brilliant, however the overall plot/pacing doesn’t work. The film understands people perfectly and we get 5 brilliant characters, all of whom are well-rounded. The music is sometimes a little melodramatic and the sweeping cinematography doesn’t always frame the actors in the best light.
Overall a film that highlights the talents of its leading cast.
3.5 Stars
Review by Benjamin Maio Mackay
Screening courtesy of Picture This!