Good Grief: A Subversion of Fantasy Legend's Persona

The Captivating Subversion

Good Grief, the directorial debut of Schitt's Creek star Dan Levy, is a dark dramedy that subverts the screen persona of a legendary fantasy actor in the best possible way.

A custom image of David Bradley as both Harry Potter's Filch (left) and Game of Thrones villain Walder Frey (right))

The movie follows Marcus, a children's book illustrator, as he navigates love and loss after the tragic death of his husband. A shocking Christmas card from his late partner complicates Marcus's feelings, leading him on a soul-searching trip to Paris with two of his oldest friends.

The bittersweet ending sees Marcus come to terms with the contradictory feelings surrounding his loss, but the character takes a long and messy journey to achieve this closure, making for a compelling narrative.

The Heartfelt Performance

David Bradley, known for playing villains in iconic roles such as Walder Frey in Game of Thrones and Argus Filch in Harry Potter, delivers a touching performance as a grieving father in Good Grief.

Bradley's portrayal of Duncan, a sweet and well-meaning older man, is a departure from his usual villainous characters, adding depth and poignancy to the film.

His eulogy for his son showcases Bradley's masterful performance, underplaying Duncan's regret and revealing a side of the actor's skill set that is both surprising and moving.

Challenging Screen Legacy

Good Grief is not the first time David Bradley has challenged his screen legacy. His recent role as Geppetto in Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio showcased another side of the actor's skill set, proving that he is capable of portraying diverse and emotionally resonant characters.

Pinocchio pokes Geppetto on the nose in Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio.

This departure from his usual rogue's gallery of bad guys displays Bradley's impressive range and cements his status as a versatile actor.