Morning

Morning is a 2010 American independent film that features established actors Jeanne Tripplehorn, Leland Orser, and Laura Linney in lead roles. This film is not an easy watch, it is a heartfelt exploration of an intensely emotional journey, showcasing a profound contemplative narrative. It is an outward expression of the inner turmoil of a couple faced with the deepest pain possible and the lasting effects on their relationship.

The narrative is etched around Mark (Leland Orser) and Alice (Jeanne Tripplehorn), a married couple living in a big city. They go through one of the most excruciating times of their lives: coping with the death of their child. The story is rendered in a non-linear fashion, with fragmented scenes that encapsulate the dynamics of double bereavement. It is a film which details the process of a deep and painful loss, expressed through delicate, intimate moments of grief, love, and the struggle to adapt to a new reality.

Jeanne Tripplehorn -- widely recognized for her roles in Basic Instinct, Grey Gardens, and Big Love -- takes the role of Alice and gives an exceptional performance. She compellingly portrays a mother who's shattered by grief and is trying to pick the pieces back up to rebuild her life. On the other hand, Leland Orser, known for the Taken series and ER, plays Mark, the grieving father. His portrayal of a grieving father is powerfully convincing, portraying a wide range of emotions, from defiance and denial to devastation.

Rounding out the trio of leads is Laura Linney, awarded actress known for Mystic River, The Big C, and Love Actually, who plays the role of Dr. Goodman. She plays a curious, somewhat enigmatic role in the couple's grieving process—an observer and commentator that adds depth and another perspective to the overall narrative.

The film effectively uses its visual language to depict the nebulous, often overwhelming nature of grief. Through its extravagant shots, the audience sees a couple mourning the loss of their child, their grief being so profound that it transforms their home into a ghost house and their lives into a series of mundane routines that they can't seem to escape from. Every move they make, every conversation they have, is underscored by this unfathomable loss.

Of note is the movie’s exceptional cinematography that guides us through their journey, amplifying the emotional intensity of every scene. Long takes, silent shots, and the use of color to symbolize emotional states make Morning a visually stunning film that elicits an emotional response from its viewers.

Directed and written by Leland Orser himself, he does a great job of meshing delicate themes into a poignant yet straightforward narrative. His storytelling approach is deeply layered in its exploration of how grief affects human relationships and how it pushes the boundaries of our emotional resilience.

Morning, in general, is a meticulous and gut-wrenching exploration of loss, sorrow, and the emotional havoc that a tragic event can lead to. It is a thought-stirring film that empathetically showcases the human struggle to cope with death and the grief that follows.

As we journey through the lives of Mark and Alice, we find ourselves immersed in their lived experience, making the film a profound exploration of the human emotion of grief and a compassionate portrayal of resilience, hope, and recovery.

The film is by no means an easy watch, but what it does offer is an insightful and honest reflection of the profound impact of loss. The performances from Tripplehorn, Orser, and Linney are outstanding in their portrayal of their characters, each adding their special touch to the story.

In essence, Morning serves up a strikingly authentic portrayal of the human capacity for resilience and the enduring bond of love even in the face of unimaginable loss. It is a film notable for its powerful acting, intimate storyline, and excellent cinematography. The film offers a poignant insight into an intensely private journey of grief, urging its viewers to consider the complexities of life, loss, and love.