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How “In Memory of My Father” (2005) Explores Grief

by Emily Nagle

Today is National Grief Awareness Day. Observed every year on August 30, this day sheds light on the many ways that people process loss. It’s a reminder that grieving is a nonlinear experience that varies from person to person. In honor of this important day, I watched a selection from Invincible’s catalog that details one young man’s unique journey through grief, titled “In Memory of My Father“.

Released in 2005, “In Memory of My Father” follows Chris (Chris Jaymes), the youngest son of a dying Hollywood producer who has decided to go out with a bang as he has bribed Chris to document his death. While the movie spends much of its time focusing on Chris and his brothers Matt (Matt Keeslar) and Jeremy (Jeremy Sisto), it also examines how the death is processed by multiple people, as their father requests that the brothers throw an extravagant farewell party at his home.

The way that this film takes a look at the grieving experience is an unexpected one, because it’s not all about dying. In fact, their father is barely onscreen for much of the movie. Instead, it’s about how people process trauma; the brothers are wrapped up in drama as they each have their own relationship-related problems, ranging from breakups to reconnecting with an ex. At the party, the brothers and their guests sat around and sang a ridiculous song together about how “our daddy’s dead”.

Because of all the chaos, it’s hard to understand what’s going on in the movie at times, but that’s also what grief is like. Despite this, “In Memory of My Father” is still a creative exploration of grieving. It has that homemade indie film energy to it, not to mention an excellent soundtrack.

You can watch “In Memory of My Father” for free on Galxy.

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