Rabbit Hole - Movie review

Rabbit Hole
A; Drama
Dir: John Cameron Mitchell
Cast: Nicole Kidman, Aaron Eckhart, Dianne West, Sandra Oh
'''1/2

What's it about: Nicole Kidman has dealt with grief and loss in many of her previous films. Be it her absolutely stunning portrayal of Virginia Woolf in The Hours or as Grace Mulligan a lost cause in Lars Von Trier's digressive Dogville. But it's the Rabbit Hole that brings out her most poignant tribute to the emotion of human gloom and despair. Becca (Kidman) and Howie (Eckhart) are in mourning. It's been over eight months but the couple is grappling with coming to terms with the loss of their son in a freak accident. Their life seems to be stuck, even though happy people surround them and they turn to therapy, there's nothing that's helping them soften the blow. It's a personal account of two individuals dealing with loss in their own way. Most of the film engages you through dialogue and honest interaction of the couple with outsiders.

What's hot: Rabbit Hole unlike other films dealing with similar themes isn't pretentious. David Lindsay-Abaire's script has a certain sense of poise and dignity to it. Kidman and Eckhart are stellar in their performances, especially the former, who plays Becca with a natural ease. It's interesting to see how the two have different mechanisms to battle their grief. While Becca blames everyone, not even sparing the Almighty ("a cynical prick"), Howie turns to pot and other distractions to get his mind off the death of his four-year-old son. They argue, abuse, yell, fight with each other, but still come around. There's a point in the film where Kidman meets the teenager whose responsible for her son's death. The two sit on a park bench and make a feeble attempt at conversation. She wants to forgive, he seeks absolution. "I might be driving a bit faster that day", the boy confesses. Even in the darkest corners, the film offers a spark of hope and faith.

What's not: Those expecting a cheerful times at the movies might be let down. There is humor in Rabbit Hole, but in the most unexpected places. Perhaps a bit of background and detail on how happy things were before the tragedy struck would offer a deeper perspective on their tragedy. Eckhart's character feels a bit contrived at times. His love for Becca is solid, yet it doesn't seem enough. The track with Becca and her mom whose experienced loss is a bit off the mark.

What to do: Don't miss it if you enjoy great performances. Kidman and Eckhart are brilliant in this almost art like piece of work.