REVIEW: Tom Hanks Is A Grumpy Old Man With Heart In A Man Called Otto

Grief, loss, and the struggle to move on with life are some of the many challenging topics tackled in Sony Pictures’ A Man Called Otto. Based on the 2015 Swedish film, A Man Call Ove, which itself is based on the novel by Fredrik Backman, A Man Called Otto is the story of grumpy, miserable Otto (played by Tom Hanks). Otto is more than just a stickler for the rules, many of which he set and holds others accountable to, he’s newly widowed, grasping desperately to his same, consistent routine and unwilling to accept the world around him has changed.

Otto’s life is further upended when he is pushed into retirement from the company he has worked at for decades. This is his final straw and he begins his plan to take his own life. His first attempt is unsuccessful, and he is soon interrupted by the new family moving in across the street. Soon enough, Otto finds himself caught up in the life of the family next door, particularly the life of the quick-witted wife and mother, Marisol (Mariana Trevino). Marisol is a whirlwind of joy and love and takes it upon herself to befriend Otto and incorporate him into their lives.

Otto is still set on his plan to take his life, each attempt more unsuccessful than the previous. While trying to make his plan work, he is learning more about Marisol and her family. It is through him helping the family navigate their chaotic life that the gruff exterior Otto presents to the world begins to show cracks of the compassionate man inside. A man who is struggling with the death of his beloved wife, Sonja, refusing to learn to live without her. It is Marisol, and the surrounding cast of neighbors, who set Otto on the path that of realizing there can be life after death.

Directed by Marc Forster, A Man Called Otto is a charming and heartwarming film. The screenplay from David Magee takes a deep dive into grief and how a person may deal with the death of someone who has been the center of their universe. It questions how someone is expected to move on now that the one who meant the most is gone. It’s a tricky topic as everyone deals with grief differently, but what this film does so well is it shows there is always a reason to continue living. It may be the fast-talking, driven mother from across the street, or a quirky neighbor who likes to get his steps in every morning, the reason is out there. It’s whether or not the person decides to be open to accepting it.

While the overarching story itself is certainly one designed to tug on the heart and make audiences feel, it is the performances that carry this film. From Hank’s scowling, gruff and, ultimately, good natured performance as Otto to Mariana Treviño’s fast paced, won’t take no for answer, desire to share her love filled performance as Marisol, there isn’t a bad performance in the bunch. It is the chemistry between the cast that moves this story along and it’s the chemistry that will keep audiences engaged throughout.

A Man Called Otto is in no way a blockbuster or cinematic masterpiece. And it most certainly will not be for everyone. It is, however, an endearing film that will warm hearts of viewers during these next few winter months.