4.5 out of 5 stars
One of the beautiful aspects of filmmaking is capturing the majestic and heart-rendering components of those often missed elements of life. This film by Uberto Pasolini (Still Life) takes the true-to-life story of a young window washer to profound heights and depths. This unassuming tale of fatherhood, death and adoption comes in like a ripple on the water and then it washes over you like an emotional wave that will saturate your soul.
John (James Norton) is a single father who does his best to raise his three-year-old son, Michael (Daniel Lamont). Since his wife left him, he washes windows during the day and then comes home to care for his little boy, even though John is terminally ill. After school and work, the two spend many afternoons travelling to see couples who could adopt Michael after his father passes away. As they meet with different families, the young man does all he can to answer questions of death, the afterlife and adoption that come from the lips of his little boy.
This simple biographical journey is both compelling and traumatic. James Norton delivers a career-defining performance that captures every tragic element of this young father’s plight. Initially, it is unclear what is happening in his life. Still, once the audience becomes aware of the father’s illness, all you have is sympathy for him and his son. The chemistry between Norton and Daniel Lamont could not have been manufactured. How this little boy looks to his on-screen father was heart-breaking and conveyed every emotion needed to communicate the dire situation this father and son were facing.
If Pasolini was trying to show the weaknesses of the Irish system of foster care and adoption, he did effectively strike a nerve. Even though John and Michael's story was exceptional, their situation did show how difficult it is to find carers for children. Every type of family unit that seeks to reach out to these children exposes how challenging it is for social workers and the agencies they work to serve. Yet, the heart of this tale has more to do with the relationship between a man and his son. Nowhere Special will surprise you at how it slowly draws the viewer in and then grabs your heart by the end.
Reel Dialogue: Nowhere Special?
To accompany the subject of death, it is no surprise that there would be a discussion about the after-life. What was gut-wrenching to hear throughout this film was the hopeless answers afforded to adults and children. When confronted with the certainty of death, most of the explanations were less than satisfying and confusing, especially in the mind of a three-year-old child.
How do you explain the after-life to a three-year-old? Wow, this is a question that goes beyond a film review. Still, it is not one to avoid. Most experts say to be direct, use clear language and acknowledge that it is even hard for adults to understand. For those from the Christian faith, you can share that Heaven is a real place and there is room for anyone to be there after they die. Then this opens the door to talk to them about Jesus. He is the one who makes this all accessible and believable, since belief in Him is the way to ensure an eternal place with him in Heaven.
The answers can be found in the Bible and in the teachings of Jesus. If you are looking for guidance in the conversation.
“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. 2 In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. 4 And you know the way to where I am going.” 5 Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” 6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7 If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.” - John 14: 1-7
