Synopsis
Upon hearing his wife was killed in the Iraq war, a father takes his two daughters on a road trip, all the while searching for the right time and place to tell them about their mother's fate.
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Cast
- John CusackStanley Philipps
- Alessandro NivolaJohn Philipps
- Gracie BednarczykDawn Philipps
- Shélan O'KeefeHeidi Philipps
- Doug DearthCaptain Riggs
- Doug JamesChaplain Johnson
- Emily ChurchillFirst Woman
- Rebecca SpenceSecond Woman
- Jennifer TylerThird Woman
- Susan MessingFourth Woman
- 83
The A.V. Club
Attempts to address grief frankly, gently, and without didacticism, and it largely succeeds. - 80
The New York Times
Mr. Cusack demonstrates once again that he is Hollywood’s second-most-reliable nice guy, after Tom Hanks. Devoid of vanity, with no hidden agendas, he never strains to be likable. Good will, integrity and a native common sense ooze out of him. - 75
Rolling Stone
Simplicity -- four-square, not sappy -- is rare in film. James C. Strouse had it in his script for Lonesome Jim. As writer and first-time director, he gives Grace Is Gonethe quiet power to sneak up and floor you. - 75
ReelViews
With a minimalist plot, Grace Is Gone turns its primary focus on John Cusack, giving the actor an opportunity to display both his talent and his range. - 75
Premiere
A picture about tragedy in one American family's life, and it's a convincing and humane one. - 75
USA Today
As subtle and shattering as its title. - 70
Variety
Although clearly coming from an antiwar perspective, the story's emotional effectiveness and family grounding give the film a real shot at connecting with general audiences across the political spectrum. - 50
Village Voice
The music--a gently jazzy piano-and-strings theme--is just fine, and a good deal less cloying than what was there before. One can only regret that Eastwood didn't offer to reshoot the whole movie while he was at it.