Accidents Happen

Accidents Happen is an Australian-British black comedy-drama film released in 2009, directed by Andrew Lancaster, and featuring a star-studded cast led by award-winning actress Geena Davis, young Australian actor Harrison Gilbertson, and charismatic newcomer Harry Cook. The movie successfully encapsulates the unpredictable maelstrom of life and the cataclysmic accidents that can turn a family's dynamics upside down.

Set in the 1980s, the film opens in an unnamed suburban neighborhood in New England, where the screen is quickly filled with the chaotic life of charming yet melancholic teenager Billy Conway (Gilbertson). Portrayed with a captivating blend of wide-eyed innocence, sardonic cynicism and latent vulnerability, Billy is the eye of the familial hurricane he's nestled in, and is our guide through the entire 92 minutes.

Billy's family isn't from a picture-postcard. His mother, Gloria Conway (Davis), is a sharp-tongued, eccentric, and complex woman struggling with an immense personal loss, which she masks with an acerbic wit and a penchant for alcohol. Davis brings depth and sensitivity to her character, making Gloria humorous, yet tragic - a paradox that's the heart of this narrative. Billy's father, Ray (Joel Tobeck), is largely absent – both from his family's life and the film – signifying an abdication of his responsibilities.

Providing contrast to Billy's sardonicism, there’s his older, irresponsible brother, Gene (Sebastian Gregory), and his younger, cherubic brother, Larry (Harry Cook), who restrains from verbal communication, echoing the silent despair that lurks within the family.

The film is teeming with a succession of accidents that form a motif, which pushes the plot further. Accidents Happen explores the painful yet relatable themes of grief, guilt, and forgiveness. The "accidents" that echo throughout the movie border on the line of absurdity, however, their reverberations underpin the narrative, towing with them a sequence of guilt and heartbreak and presenting the viewers with a quirky examination of the human condition in times of immense adversity.

Most importantly, the film narrates grief - the Conway family's grappling with the aftermath of a tragic accident - which is handled with subtlety and nuance. This isn't a story about overcoming grief, but trying to live with it. Unlike other films in the genre, we aren't offered a catharsis but a grimly realistic portrayal of irreversible damage.

The script by Brian Carbee deserves special mention for its peculiar humor. Despite heavy themes, the film is infused with comic relief that offsets the weight of the narrative. Juxtaposed with the tragedy, these moments of hilarity bring an unexpected lightness to the narrative, making it imperfect yet incredibly human. To this end, sequences of animated scenes are incorporated within the film. These scenes serve as narrational interludes; they are a reflection of Billy's mind - dark, whimsical, and vivid.

Accidents Happen is also a snapshot of everyday life in the 80s, captured with finesse and retro flare. From the hairstyles to the decor, the movie carries an authentic reflection of the period. The nostalgic atmosphere transports viewers back to the bygone era, it's immersion amplified by the film's period-specific music.

Performance-wise, Davis is outstanding. She breathes life into her character, showcasing her well-honed acting skills by delivering intense emotional scenes effortlessly while maintaining a razor-sharp wit. Gilbertson, as Billy, carries the film on his shoulders with a remarkably compelling performance, presenting a character that is mature beyond his years. Gilbertson's portrayal of Billy is heart-rending, and his chemistry with Davis is one of the film's vital components. Cook, albeit a silent presence, leaves a tangible impact with his poignant performance, emoting volumes in silence.

Accidents Happen does not offer any resolutions or manufactured happy endings, instead, it urges one to keep going, to survive amidst the chaos and sorrow – an echo of the resilience of human spirit. The darkly comedic take on family dynamics, grief, and everyday struggles renders a sliver of hope, of survival against the odds, presenting a cinematic experience that’s hard to forget and thought-provoking.

A riveting tale of a family living on the edge of regular life, Accidents Happen is a brilliant fusion of sharp writing, brilliant performances, and an unflinchingly honest examination of a family scarred by tragedy and how they navigate through their broken normality.