Good Grief’s Dan Levy on queer loss, single life and getting intimate with Luke Evans
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Dan Levy, the Emmy-Award-winning star of the hit series Schitt’s Creek, has opened up about his debut feature film, Good Grief. In an interview with PinkNews, Levy discussed the film’s exploration of grief, the importance of chosen family, and his personal connection to the project.
After bidding farewell to his beloved character David Rose in Schitt’s Creek, Levy found himself grappling with uncertainty as the world was hit by the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns. Trapped at home, Levy reflected on what life would look like after the pandemic and what it meant to say goodbye to both the fictional world of Schitt’s Creek and real life simultaneously.
Good Grief, written, produced, and directed by Levy himself, follows the story of Marc, played by Levy, a house-husband and retired artist living happily with his husband in London. However, when Marc’s partner of 15 years, Oliver (played by Luke Evans), dies suddenly, Marc’s life is turned upside down. The film delves into the messy process of grief, the solace found in friendship, and the challenge of starting anew against all odds.
Levy describes Good Grief as his most personal project yet. Inspired by the loss of his grandmother during the pandemic, Levy became morbidly fascinated by the ways our minds cope with grief and wanted to explore the importance of friendship in the lives of LGBTQ+ individuals. He found solace in writing and channeled his emotions into the film, asking himself where grief goes if not into art.
The film revolves around Marc’s friendship group, consisting of his best friend Sophie (played by Ruth Negga) and his ex-boyfriend Thomas (played by Himesh Patel), who is still healing from their failed relationship. Together, they embark on a soul-searching trip to Paris that forces them to confront their own truths.
While Good Grief tackles themes of grief, it does so with Levy’s signature twist, incorporating moments of queer joy, tender love, and plenty of laughter. Levy describes the experience of writing his vulnerable debut feature as incredibly cathartic. Through the film, he explores the beauty of sadness and tragedy, highlighting how they inspire artists to create.
Levy also reflects on the rupture caused by the death of a romantic partner, drawing from his own experiences as a single person. He finds it compelling to examine why some people never have a moment alone, constantly jumping from one relationship to another. This examination forms the foundation of Marc’s journey in the film as he navigates an unsteady solitude and discovers what he truly wants from life.
Casting the right person to play Oliver was crucial, as the character carries a significant weight throughout the film. Levy knew Luke Evans was the perfect fit, as he possesses inherent charisma and warmth that can hold audiences’ hearts. Evans, who has a personal connection to the script, brings Oliver’s warmth and charm to life in just 15 minutes of screen time.
To foster chemistry among the cast, Levy organized a weekend trip to a farmhouse in Oxfordshire before filming began. This allowed them to bond and develop intimacy, which Levy believes translates onto the screen. The actors spent evenings sharing stories about their lives and relationships with loss and love. Evans even played cuts from his new album, A Song for You, before its release.
Levy’s fictional chosen family in Good Grief has become dear friends, and he hopes that LGBTQ+ viewers can find solace in seeing themselves represented on screen. Growing up, Levy lacked reference points and normalized LGBTQ+ characters in media, so he aims to provide that representation through his work. By truthfully depicting the lives of himself, his friends, and others who share similar experiences, Levy hopes to create connections and comfort for viewers.
As the release of Good Grief approaches, Levy admits to feeling both nervous and excited. He is proud of the film and believes it will resonate with audiences. Good Grief will be available on Netflix starting January 5th.
In conclusion, Dan Levy’s Good Grief offers a heartfelt exploration of grief, chosen family, and the complexities of starting anew. Levy poured his own emotions into the film, creating a vulnerable and cathartic experience. With its queer joy, tender love, and moments of laughter, Good Grief is set to capture the hearts of viewers when it premieres on Netflix.
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