Trigger Warning: This article includes discussion of topics related to suicide and suicidal thoughts. If this is a difficult topic for you, please read with care or consider whether you’d prefer to skip this content.
Guaranteed to make you shed a few tears, the movie A Man Called Otto explores the importance of human connection.
The movie is based on the book A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman.
Directed by Marc Foster, the movie centers around Otto Anderson, a grumpy widower and the unexpected friendship he forms with his neighbors, which changes the trajectory of his life.
Otto, played by Tom Hanks, struggles to find purpose in life after the loss of his wife Sonya.
Believing he has nothing to live for, he plans to end his life. He makes several attempts to do so but a sequence of events prevent him from ending it all.
The movie begins by introducing us into Otto’s world. We quickly understand that Otto is lonely and taking steps to put his affairs in order.
In the meantime, Otto spends his days in a repetitive routine, enforcing parking regulations and reminding his neighbors to follow the neighborhood rules.
A lot of his actions we later discover are tied to him being lonely and struggling with grief.
The timeline in A Man Called Otto seamlessly alternates between Otto’s younger years and his present-day life, providing a deeper understanding of his journey and the events that shaped him.
Life as Otto knows it changes dramatically when a young family moves into his neighborhood.
A young pregnant woman, Marisol, and her family move in next door to Otto. He is initially reluctant to develop any relationship with Marisol and her family.
An unexpected friendship is formed first with Marisol and gradually with the rest of the family. The friendship ends up bringing warmth and joy into his life.
The movie explores themes of grief, friendship, and the transformative power of kindness.
The Cast
Tom Hanks was outstanding in the role of Otto, delivering a performance that felt authentic and believable. I especially appreciated the natural way his character bonded with Marisol; their connection was genuine and never felt forced.
Mariana Treviño delivered a brilliant performance as Marisol, making me truly fall in love with her character.
Marisol is the young, pregnant neighbor who gradually finds her way into Otto’s life, and together, they form a heartfelt friendship. Through this bond, Otto begins to open up about the events from his past that have shaped who he is today.
Truman Hanks, whom I later discovered is Tom Hanks’ son, portrayed the younger Otto with remarkable skill. His performance was deeply moving and brought me to tears several times throughout the movie.
Rachel Kelle plays Sonya, Otto’s beloved wife and a dedicated teacher.
Through her role, we experience the heartfelt story of how Sonya and Otto met, fell in love, and shared a life together.
The film offers touching glimpses of their relationship, highlighting the profound impact Sonya had on Otto’s life and how deeply he feels her absence.
Other standout characters in the film include Mack Bayda as Malcolm, Cameron Britton as Jimmy, Peter Lawson as Reuben, Juanita Jennings as Anita, and Mike Birbiglia as the Dye & Merica real estate agent.
Each of these actors brought depth and personality to their roles, adding to the richness of the story.
What I liked about A Man Called Otto?
The casting was spot-on, with each actor bringing a unique presence that added depth to the film.
The music selection throughout the movie was thoughtfully curated, perfectly timed to enhance the emotional impact of each scene and draw you further into the story.
I appreciated the careful balance between humor and heartfelt moments—it made me laugh, brought tears to my eyes, and served as a reminder of the importance of human connection and the relationships that shape our lives.
What I did not like?
This is easily one of my favorite movies. I enjoyed nearly every aspect of it—the pacing, the cinematography, and the music all came together beautifully.
The only part that felt a bit cheesy was toward the end, where social media is used to highlight how real estate companies and agents can sometimes exploit the elderly. While it wasn’t a bad scene, it did feel a bit over-the-top compared to the rest of the film.
Would I Recommend the Movie?
Absolutely! While some scenes may be sensitive for those who have experienced suicidal thoughts, a cautionary note is warranted.
However, by the film’s end, it leaves you with a renewed sense of hope, gently reminding you to step outside, connect with new friends, and take the time to talk to your neighbors.
How would I rate this movie?
I would rate A Man Called Otto a 4 out of 5.
Have you seen the movie? How would you rate it and would you watch it again?
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, help is available. Please reach out to a mental health professional, a trusted friend or family member, or one of these resources:
- In the U.S., you can call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 for free, confidential support 24/7.
- If you’re outside the U.S., consider contacting a local helpline or visiting an organization like Befrienders Worldwide to find resources in your country.
Remember, you don’t have to face these feelings alone—there are people who want to help and listen.
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