Movie Review: Is Anybody There?

I would never have thought that a film about death could be so uplifting. Set in 1980s England, young Edward (played by Bill Milner) lives in a retirement home run by his overworked, beleaguered parents. Edward has a morbid fixation on death and the possibility of an afterlife, and continually records the last moments of dying residents in order to "hear" their spirits leaving their bodies, much to the chagrin of his parents and other residents. Clarence (played by Michael Caine), a new reluctant resident to the retirement home and professional magician, bonds with Edward over their mutual loneliness in a very well-played part by Caine. They develop an almost father-son relationship, as Edward's father, played by David Morrissey, is busy trying to seduce the 18-year old nurse who works with them.

Though the film focuses mainly on death, it has a very calm demeanor about it that leaves the audience with an appreciation for every moment we have. Many times in the film, as Michael Caine describes the regrets and disdains of his past, I felt that there were many moments in my life in which rectifying the situation would clear my conscience and leave me with an almost euphoric sense of placidity. However, we must realize that we can almost never rectify these regrets and must simply continue forward. This movie teaches you, above all else, that life is not so much about what we leave behind, but rather how we lived. I definitely recommend it.



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