Cottontail

In his debut feature film, writer/director Patrick Dickinson crafts an intimate study of grief and troubled family dynamics in this affecting but never melodramatic drama. Cottontail explores difficult and emotive themes, such as the death of loved ones, the fear of being a burden, estrangement, and assisted suicide. There are heartbreaking moments, but also times of lightness, joy, and hope. Flashbacks chart various points in Kenzaburo's relationship with his wife, from first meet-cute to harrowing times of suffering. The impact of his inability to communicate with his son is worn heavily on both their faces, and small details take on huge emotional richness. Franky is perfectly cast following his international success in Oscar-nominated Shoplifters. An emptiness is etched in his features from the first scene, as he revisits old haunts and drinks away his sorrows, and though his behavior can be selfish and thoughtless, it's difficult not to feel his pain. Scenes of him cycling determinedly in the rainy countryside and finding childish delight in feeding a farm animal show a lost soul struggling to connect and not really knowing where to start. Dickinson's thoughtful screenplay suggests small steps and hope are journey enough for now.