Obit
Obit

Movie spotlight

Obit

2014
Movie
90 min
Persian

For some time Taha [Saber Abar] and Reyhan [Nazanin Bayati] have been looking after an old man named Manuchehr Asef [Khosro Bamdad] because of a newspaper advertisement. When Asef dies of ...

Insights

IMDb7.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes94%
Metacritic77/100
Google Users94%
Director: Vanessa GouldGenres: Documentary

Plot Summary

Obit offers an intimate look into the world of obituary writing, following the journalists at The New York Times tasked with chronicling the lives of recently deceased prominent figures. The film explores the unique challenges and ethical considerations involved in capturing the essence of a person's life for a final public tribute. It delves into the process of research, interviewing, and crafting narratives that honor legacies while remaining factually accurate. The documentary also touches upon the personal impact this work has on the writers themselves.

Critical Reception

Obit was widely acclaimed by critics for its unique subject matter, thoughtful execution, and insightful portrayal of the obituary writing profession. Reviewers praised the film for its ability to find profound stories in the seemingly mundane task of summarizing lives, highlighting its emotional resonance and intellectual depth. The documentary was particularly lauded for its empathetic approach and for shedding light on a crucial but often overlooked aspect of journalism.

What Reviewers Say

  • A fascinating and unexpectedly moving exploration of the art and craft of obituary writing.

  • Presents a poignant and respectful look at how we remember lives.

  • The documentary skillfully balances the factual requirements of an obituary with the emotional weight of loss.

Google audience: Google users overwhelmingly praised "Obit" for its unique and touching subject matter, with many appreciating the documentary's respectful and insightful approach to honoring lives. Reviewers frequently highlighted the film's ability to evoke emotion and provide a thought-provoking perspective on legacy and memory.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for Best Documentary Screenplay at the 2017 Writers Guild of America Awards. Screened at various film festivals, including Tribeca.

Fun Fact

The film features interviews with obituary writers who have worked on the stories of cultural icons like Marlon Brando, Audrey Hepburn, and Steve Jobs.

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