Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close

Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close is a 2011 American drama film directed by Stephen Daldry, and adapted from Jonathan Safran Foer's novel of the same name. The star-studded cast ensemble includes young talent Thomas Horn, the legendary Tom Hanks and talented actress Sandra Bullock. This profound and emotionally charged narrative takes an intimate look at the effects of grief and loss, and at the same time, is a sentimental tribute to the tragic event of 9/11.

Set against the backdrop of post 9/11 New York, the narrative primarily revolves around a young protagonist named Oskar Schell, played by Thomas Horn, an extremely bright, inventive and eccentric 9-year old entrenched in his own world of discovery and exploration. Oskar's world is turned upside down when he loses his father, played by Tom Hanks, in the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center. Having had a particularly close bond with his father, who always encouraged his curiosity and inquisitiveness, Oskar is left distraught and withdrawn.

The film gains momentum when Oskar discovers a key in a small envelope hidden in a vase in his father’s closet a year later. The envelope has the word "Black" on it but nothing more. This finding propels Oskar on a city-wide scavenger hunt, knocking on the doors of every single person named Black in the city of New York. His mission, often agonizing and frustrating, not caring about the danger or his mother's worry, is fueled by the hope that the key will lead him to the last message, or some kind of meaningful connection, from his father.

Sandra Bullock plays Oskar's grieving mother, and her emotional struggle to reconnect with her distant and hurting son, while dealing with her own loss, forms another poignant narrative thread of the film. The emotional depth and complexity of the characters and their individual journeys through grief, estrangement, and healing are soulfully depicted.

Amidst Oskar’s arduous quest through the vast city, he learns about human compassion, empathy and resilience, all the while trying to come to terms with the loss of the most important figure in his life. Through the city’s diverse array of inhabitants – soulful, harsh, distant, kind, all carrying their own burdens, he finds an affecting humanistic tapestry that adds profound depth to his journey.

Its compelling narrative is not the only standout element; the movie is visually striking as well. Cinematographer Chris Menges beautifully captures the sprawling cityscape of New York and the interior world of Oskar. The film also boasts a captivating score by renowned composer Alexandre Desplat that resonates well with the emotional underpinnings of the story.

The heart of the film lies in Thomas Horn's performance as Oskar Schell. Despite this being his debut role, Horn carries the weight of the film commendably, delivering an astounding performance filled with vulnerability, courage, and raw emotion. Contrasted with Tom Hanks' comforting earnestness and Sandra Bullock's powerful portrayal of silent suffering, the performances in Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close echo the film's exploration of the varied human responses to grief.

Despite being underpinned with tragedy and the heavy theme of loss, the film also carries a sense of hope and resilience, forcing the characters, and the audience, to look beyond the pain. It's a story about connections - those we lose, those we find, and those we endeavour to rebuild.

In essence, Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close is a deeply moving and emotionally resonant film. Harnessing a tragedy that’s still raw in the public consciousness, it delicately deals with themes of loss, grief, healing and the human capacity for resilience. It's a poignant cinematic journey that, while rooted in enormous tragedy, serves as a heartfelt reminder of the enduring human spirit and the unbreakable bonds of family.