Actors love this type of material, which allows them to interact within an ensemble without fantastical storylines or cutting edge special effects to upstage them.  Blackbird is a uniquely human story, with its characters trying to come to grips with mortality in the most personal of ways.  It is a heavy story but is treated with a gentle touch.  It is based on Christian Torpe’s play “Silent Heart,” with the screenplay by the playwright.

Roger Michell’s film version introduces us to Paul (Sam Neill) and Lily (Susan Sarandon), who are hosting a get-together with their children and a close friend.  Everyone is aware that this is Lily’s last meeting with them, as she has a terminal illness and has chosen to end her life before her body completely breaks down.  It is a farewell event — but not everybody is ready to say goodbye.

The drama unfolds gradually as the grown children (Kate Winslet, Mia Wasikowska) and their families try to balance empathy for Lily with the horror they feel about what she is going to do, and then secretive relationships and past conflicts come to the fore.  Slowly politeness turns to defensiveness and outrage, as well as understanding, as the visit inexorably moves toward its finish.  The actors do a splendid collective job with their roles, yet the film still seems somewhat stagy and occasionally artificial.

This type of film isn’t for everyone, for it certainly isn’t a barrel of laughs.  But for fans of serious drama and meaningful performances it is hard to fault the presentation.  It is perhaps too quiet to be totally convincing, and by the end I was feeling that it was underwritten.  Blackbird, which was a September 2020 release, is a thoughtful drama with no easy answers to mankind’s saddest situation.  ☆ ☆ 1/2.  27 June 2021.