Beginners

A young graphic designer learns that his elderly father has recently come out as gay and plans to live life to the fullest. As he grapples with this revelation and his father's declining health, he also navigates a new, complex romantic relationship. The film weaves together his past and present as he comes to understand his father and himself better.

Beginners received widespread critical acclaim, with particular praise for Christopher Plummer's performance, Mike Mills' direction and screenplay, and the film's emotional depth and honest portrayal of love and loss. It was considered a heartfelt and moving exploration of family relationships.

• Praised for its sensitive and nuanced exploration of grief, love, and self-discovery.
• Christopher Plummer's performance as the elder Hal is consistently highlighted as a standout.
• The film's unique narrative structure and authentic emotional core resonated with critics.

Google audience: Google users largely appreciated the film's emotional honesty and the compelling performances, finding it to be a touching and thoughtful movie.

Christopher Plummer won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role as Hal Fields, and was nominated for a Golden Globe Award. The film also received nominations and wins at various critics' awards.

Director Mike Mills based the character of his father, who came out at age 75, on his own real-life experiences.