The Greatest Hits (2024) Movie Review

 If you're a fan of old-school romantic comedies, "The Greatest Hits" might just hit the spot. It's got all the classic characters - the widowed main character, the charming ex, the sassy best friend, the new love interest, and more. But here's the thing: it feels a bit like ticking boxes. The characters don't really break out of their stereotypes.

The movie has some big ideas, though. The director, Ned Benson, took a swing with a unique film called "The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby" a decade ago. This time, he plays with time travel, sort of. The main character, Harriet, flashes back whenever she hears a song that reminds her of her late boyfriend. Is it science or just grief messing with her head? That's the mystery.

The problem is, just when things get interesting, the movie wraps up. It flirts with being a sci-fi love story but doesn't fully commit. I really wanted it to dive in. Sure, it's not fair to judge a movie based on what you hoped it would be, but the repetition gets old. Harriet's stuck in her grief, and her friends keep telling her to move on. It's a familiar message, but without enough depth to make it feel fresh.

Good dramas about grief usually do one of two things well: they either dive deep into the emotions and psychology of grief, or they use metaphors to express those feelings in a bold, understandable way. Unfortunately, this movie falls somewhere in between, much like its main character, Harriet. While it's commendable that the film mirrors Harriet's struggles, it doesn't quite hit the mark.

Lucy Boynton does a remarkable job with her role despite limited material. Harriet is mainly defined by her loss, and her coping mechanisms, like avoiding triggering songs and immersing herself in silence, show the extent of her grief. But her lost love remains vague, only known for being handsome and loving Harriet. We're left wondering if Harriet idealized him too much, but the movie doesn't explore this idea thoroughly.

The supporting cast adds depth, even with limited characterization. Justin H. Min, especially, shines with his natural charm, reminiscent of John Cusack's iconic character from "Say Anything." His presence injects life into the film, even when the story falters.

Overall, while the film has its moments, it falls short of truly capturing the complexities of grief. But if you're intrigued, you can catch it on Hulu starting April 12th.