2023 has just started, but already we have our first pleasant surprise of the year. A Man Called Otto was not among my most anticipated films. Its trailers made it look overly sappy, as if Tom Hanks' grumpy retiree would become nicer simply through osmosis. But the film is much more complicated than that. Its portrayal of emotions and connections isn't that easy, making it a much richer film.
Otto is almost identical in plot to the Oscar-nominated Swedish film A Man Called Ove. But having never seen that adaptation, my expectations were constantly upended. This is not to say there's no predictability here, just that it's much more about grief and isolation than something in the vein of Grumpy Old Men. Recently widowed and forced into retirement, Otto often contemplates and attempts suicide. There's dark humor laced throughout, but Hanks makes sure Otto's pain is both felt and understood.
Interrupting his daily routine - and his chances to end it all - is Marisol (Mariana Treviño) and her family. Immigrants from Mexico, the new neighbors put off Otto not because of their ethnicity, but because of their cheerful nature, and dad Tommy's ineptitude. Their constant presence - and Marisol's cooking - draw him closer to friendship than any of the other residents he's pushed away. Flashbacks fill in the gaps, including his lifelong romance with Sonya (Rachel Keller) and the joys and sorrows they had during their decades-long marriage. It's like the first 10 minutes of Up, spliced throughout. (Yes, that means you should bring the tissues.)
For me the film delivered a sense of catharsis that certain awards season fare never did. (Looking at you, The Whale.) Still, your mileage may vary on how the film impacts you. I can't deny I was genuinely moved to tears more than once, and I never felt manipulated or tricked. That's not a reaction I've had very often over the last few years.
A Man Called Otto may not be original, but it is thoughtful, moving and funny. It's a gift. Share it with the people you love.
