In A Man Called Otto, lovable Tom Hanks takes on the role of a grumpy widower who has no time or patience for friends. Based on the novel A Man Called Ove and the Swedish move adaptation of the same name, we embrace the little bit of love that comes in ordinary every day life.
A Man Called Otto is a dark, and wholesome look on loss and love
A Man Called Otto is no children’s movie. From my first glance at the trailer and no experience reading the book, I went in believing this film would be a fun little look into a grumpy widower. However, as the film begins, audiences are thrusted into a film that combines grief with trauma and frustration. Without giving any big spoilers, audiences can expect following a real account of how sorrow and death can affect a person’s thinking for years on end.
As our protagonist Otto (Tom Hanks) goes throughout his days with no joy missing his wife Sonya, a rambunctious but kind family moves next door. Otto wants nothing to do with them, but of course that’s not possible. We zip back and forth from flashbacks to Otto first meeting his now late wife, and present day. Otto might think there’s nothing to live for. However, his new neighbors might change his mind.
Tom Hanks continues to bring warmth as Otto
I’ve been known to call Tom Hanks a national treasure, and this film only heightens my appreciation for the actor. Otto is meant to be a grumpy older man. He’s regimented, organized, and easily detests anyone who gets in his way. It’s the total opposite of him as Mr. Rogers in It’s A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood. Hanks brings the irritable nature, but with a genuine spirit. His face fills with expressions, with his eyes widening at moments of displeasure or brief moments of happiness. He brings a delicate approach to Otto when he begins opening up to the people around him.
However, it’s tricky for me to separate the good nature of Tom Hanks with Otto’s lack of manners and annoyance of anything and everything. The best moments of his performance are when he does let his guard down, and allows for that natural Tom Hanks warmth to come through.
Mariana Treviño proves to be the heart of the film
Each of the supporting characters around Otto treat him with the upmost patience and care. However, new neighbor and mother of the family next door, Marisol (Mariana Treviño) steals the film. She’s funny, a little chaotic, compassionate, and makes the best food. While she’s not ordering her husband around in Spanish, she takes a liking to Otto. Every chance she gets, she tries to intervene, whether it be to ask for driving lessons, bring Otto more food, or just pop in occasionally for more favors.
Although Otto shows his annoyance toward Marisol at first, she becomes the first person he opens up to. Little by little Marisol finds out more information about him. Mariana Treviño’s performance is crafted carefully as she mixes Marisol with a bubbly extroverted personality, and a bit of raw emotion.
A Man Called Otto might follow similar stories you’ve seen of a grumpy man finding his own family amidst loss, but in a time where it seems easy to see sadness, this film grasps onto the tiny moments of joy. And that’s truly what life is all about.
