Opened: September 21, 2018

Directed by: Dan Fogelman

Starring: Oscar Isaac, Olivia Wilde, Mandy Patinkin, Jean Smart, Olivia Cooke, Sergio Peris-Mencheta, Laia Costa, Àlex Monner, Isabel Durant, Jake Robinson, Caitlin Carmichael, Jordana Rose, Kya Kruse, Alisa Suskova, Adrian Marrero, Annette Bening, Antonio Banderas & Samuel L. Jackson

Though Dan Fogelman has had great success in multilayered romances on projects like Crazy, Stupid, Love and This is Us, he seriously misses the mark in Life Itself.

Will (Oscar Isaac) is unable to cope with the loss of his pregnant wife Abby (Olivia Wilde) despite their daughter Dylan (Olivia Cooke) surviving. Vincent (Antonio Banderas) falls for the wife (Laia Costa) of his olive orchard’s foreman Javier (Sergio Peris-Mencheta).

Between the dominating narration, connecting the story with a Bob Dylan song and overusing melodrama to the point where he forgets to note the tragedy that ties everyone together, Fogelman overthinks for his audience.

It’s a shame because Isaac and Wilde have charming chemistry, Mandy Patinkin is on the verge of greatness and Àlex Monner does some of the best acting with very little screentime.

Final say: It all falls apart. ★☆☆☆☆