The Pallbearer
Aspiring architect Tom Thompson is told by mysterious Ruth Abernathy that his best friend, "Bill," has taken his own life. Except that Tom has never met Bill and neither have his incredulous friends. So when Tom foolishly agrees to give the eulogy at Bill's funeral, it sets him on a collision course with Ruth -- who is revealed to be Bill's oversexed mother -- and Julie DeMarco, the longtime crush Tom hasn't seen since they were teens.
Insights
Plot Summary
A directionless young man is shocked to receive a letter from a woman claiming to be his mother's lover, detailing funeral arrangements and expecting him to attend. He goes to the funeral, only to discover it's for a man he's never met. The situation escalates when he meets the deceased's enigmatic daughter and gets entangled in a bizarre family dynamic.
Critical Reception
The Pallbearer received a mixed to negative reception from critics, with many finding its premise intriguing but ultimately failing to deliver a consistent comedic or dramatic impact. Audiences were similarly divided, with some appreciating its offbeat humor and others finding it tiresome.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its unconventional premise and some moments of dark humor.
- Criticized for an uneven tone and a plot that loses momentum.
- David Schwimmer's performance was often cited as a highlight amidst the film's struggles.
Google audience: Audience reviews suggest a split reaction, with some appreciating the quirky humor and surprising emotional beats, while others found the story's absurdity to be overdone and the pacing lacking.
Fun Fact
The film's screenplay was written by Adam Resnick, who also wrote for 'The Larry Sanders Show' and 'Get a Life,' both known for their surreal and dark humor.
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