The Death & Life of John F. Donovan

A decade after the death of a television star, a young actor remembers their written correspondence and its effect on their lives. Xavier Dolan’s first English-speaking film is a stylized, heartfelt melodrama boasting the signature elements of his filmmaking—mothers and sons, musical hits, André Turpin’s magnificent cinematography. To this, he adds a splendid cast, including Kit Harrington, Natalie Portman, and Susan Sarandon. Having premiered at Toronto FF, it appears that Donavan is the kind of film that will be appreciated over time, especially outside the US. Upon its release in France, the revered magazine Les Inrockuptibles gave it five stars, noting that “with its more complex content and grandiose form, Donovan marks a fascinating turning point in Dolan’s career.”