Nicole Kidman and Aaron Eckhart grieve over the loss of their four-year old son in the drama RABBIT HOLE.Eight months have passed since Becca (Kidman) and Howie’s (Eckhart) son Danny died, and the grieving process continues. They enroll in a support group for parents who have lost a child, but the group provides little support for what ails them. Making matters more difficult is the fact that Becca’s single sister, Izzy has recently become pregnant.
Becca and Howie work through mourning in different ways. Becca wants to put the memory of Danny behind her, while Howie finds comfort in watching old videos of his son.
Tackling the subject of grief, particularly the loss of a child, is a daunting task. RABBIT HOLE takes a mannered approach to the subject, and in spite of its best intentions, feels contrived and shallow.
Tackling the subject of grief, particularly the loss of a child, is a daunting task. RABBIT HOLE takes a mannered approach to the subject, and in spite of its best intentions, feels contrived and shallow. Just like many other dramas, when the going gets tough for middle to upper class suburbanites, the middle to upper class suburbanites turn to pot smoking and possibly adultery.
In addition to these clichéd actions, the film at times feels stagy. The film is based on a stage play by David Lindsay-Abaire and some of the more dramatic moments play as such.
This is no fault of Kidman and Eckhart. Both actors convey genuine emotions in their portrayals, with Eckhart the more sympathetic of the two. Eckhart’s Howie wears his love for his son on his sleeve, remembering the fondest of times with his boy. Kidman’s Becca finds no solace in the memories, and seems to resent the fact that life goes on as usual around her. It’s through their performances that RABBIT HOLE does illicit signs of humanity.
RABBIT HOLE doesn’t wallow in shame, but the examination of grief, particularly that of losing a child, deserves better.
Grade: C
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