2015 Movie
Dir. Josh Mond · United States of America · English
A son takes care of his mom in this raw and personal family drama
The grief in James White is palpable. It’s inspired by writer-director Josh Mond’s own experience of losing a parent, and it shows, especially through how personal this drama gets. It’s heart wrenchingly honest about its protagonist and how unprepared he was, not just in taking over his mother’s care, but in actually becoming an adult. At the same time, while presenting his worst sides, the film also acknowledges the way grief hangs over James, with everyone holding best intentions but not knowing what to do to help him. It’s because of this James White isn’t an easy watch, but it might prove cathartic for viewers going through similar loss.
James White is a troubled twentysomething trying to stay afloat in a frenzied New York City. As he retreats further into a hedonistic lifestyle, his mother's battle with a serious illness faces a series of setbacks that force him to assume more responsibility. With the pressure on him mounting, James must find new reserves of strength or risk imploding completely.
"The world it presents seems at times so slippery and uncertain that being lost seems like the only natural response."
— Bilge Ebiri
"A devastating dissection of a man who's forced out of his arrested development and into adulthood by extreme tragedy and the responsibility that comes with it."
— Brian Tallerico
After his father’s funeral, unemployed 20-something James White struggles to take control of his life while his divorced mother Gail battles cancer.
To be honest, it honestly took me out of the movie when I saw Kid Cudi, given that it’s Kid Cudi. But he does give a great performance as well as a subtle score too.
Yeah, I need to hug my parents right now.
Spirit Awards
3 noms
Sundance
1 win
Nat. Board of Review
1 win
Isabella Endrinal is a curator at A Good Movie to Watch. She's now free from the corporate night shift. Previous articles have been published in outlets such as NANG Magazine. She's currently catching up on some classic films… if she isn't coping with the fact that the Haikyu anime will end soon.
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