Dean

Dean is a comedic yet heartfelt exploration of life, loss, and love, written, directed, and starred in by the talented stand-up comedian, Demetri Martin. This 2016 feature film cleverly interweaves humor, drama, and even animation into a touching narrative about grief, reconciliation, and moving forward.

The storyline revolves around the title character, Dean (played by Demetri Martin), a New York-based illustrator grappling with the recent death of his mother. Rather than confront his grief head-on, Dean drowns himself in his work, penning whimsical doodles that give a witty and poignant portrayal of his state of mind. Many of these illustrative works are brought to life through playful, simple animations scattered throughout the film, enhancing the storyline's emotional undertones.

Dean's father is Robert (Kevin Kline), a retired engineer who expresses his grief in stark contrast to his son. Where Dean is all about avoidance, Robert is methodical and decisive. He believes the best way forward for him is to sell their old family house, seeking closure and a fresh start. This contrast in coping mechanisms drives a wedge between father and son, delivering interesting discussions about grief, attachment, and the process of healing.

The film takes a significant turn when Dean, unable to handle his father’s decision to sell the house, takes an impromptu trip to Los Angeles. He's seeking a change of scenery and a break from his New York life. It's during his LA venture when he meets Nicky (Gillian Jacobs), an intriguing woman who pulls Dean out of his bubble and challenges him to look at life from a different perspective. The two embark on a romantic journey that provides a beautiful subplot to Dean's healing process.

At the same time, Robert embarks on his own journey towards healing when he encounters Carol (Mary Steenburgen), a real estate agent. Their companionship brings warmth, humor and insight, offering a poignant look at how bonds can form even in the most unexpected circumstances. The film takes on a dualistic narrative, flipping back and forth between the father and son's respective journeys on opposite coasts.

The charm of 'Dean' lies in its beautiful storytelling and the genuine performances of its cast. Demetri Martin's Dean carries the desolation and avoidance of a grieving son in a way that feels real and close to heart. His flair for offbeat humor and observational comedy permeates the movie, infusing laughter into a narrative steeped in sorrow.

Kevin Kline delivers a solid performance as Robert. His portrayal of a grieving widower trying to move forward and understand his son’s reticence provides sharp counterpoints to Dean's grieving process. His interactions with Carol provide sweet and light moments that break the sadness enveloping his character.

Gillian Jacobs as Nicky brightens the screen with her fresh and quirky charm. The chemistry between Nicky and Dean is an endearing combination of awkward, sweet, and complicated, a frame that reflects the complexities of real-life relationships.

Though the film is infused with comedy, it successfully captures the heavy emotional undertones of loss and grief, making Dean’s venture a poignant journey towards healing.

The movie is also enhanced by the playful animations scattered throughout the storyline. The simplicity of the illustrations, often punctuated with anti-jokes or reflective musings, add further depth to Dean's character while providing a fresh visual dynamic.

In this engaging comedic drama, Demetri Martin shines in multiple roles as the writer, director, and leading man. He skillfully balances the humor and melancholy, resulting in a film that provides a soulful exploration of love and loss.

Indeed, Martin's directorial debut demonstrates his ability to tell a moving story centered on the universal themes of grief and love. The film's ending, while not revealing it here, delivers on its emotional promise, leaving viewers with a profound sense of closure and a warm, lingering feeling long after the credits roll.

Dean is a quirky, poignant, and heartfelt film that effectively uses humor to draw audiences into its emotionally rich narrative. Its authentic depiction of love and loss, combined with stellar performances and a captivating story, make Dean a must-watch movie.