Depression and mental health are much talked about today, but conversations rarely includes older generations, leaving their struggles unseen and unspoken. Phil, Greg Kinnear’s directorial debut, shines a light on this topic with a genuine, often heartbreaking message about overcoming loss and finding happiness in life’s small moments.
Phil (played by Greg Kinnear) is a lonely, divorced middle-aged dentist battling a suicidal mid-life crisis. He becomes fascinated with one of his patients, Michael—an accomplished man with a beautiful wife, a loving daughter, and a seemingly perfect life—everything Phil desperately lacks.
Before long, Phil takes to stalking Michael to have some semblance of what a happy middle-aged life feels like. There’s only one snag in his plans. Michael heads into the woods one day, and hangs himself.
And we’re left wondering. Why would someone who had everything choose to end it all? The film keeps this question hanging over the audience, sustaining intrigue even when the plot meanders. Even if Phil’s personal journey doesn’t always grip you, Michael’s unexplained decision keeps you invested.
A Strange Turn into Romantic Comedy
In a bizarre twist, Phil enters Michael’s home under the guise of “Spiros,” an old Greek friend Michael had supposedly called to renovate his bathroom. This deception pulls him closer to Michael’s widow, Alicia (Emily Mortimer), veering the film into a romantic comedy territory.
This tonal shift is where Phil starts to falter. Phil’s awkward attempts at pretending to be Greek and a home contractor are painfully unconvincing. The comedy doesn’t always land, though Kinnear’s natural charm keeps the film from descending into complete absurdity.
Where Phil truly excels is in its exploration of identity crisis. Phil is a man desperate for meaning, yet unsure of what “having it all” even means.
A Missed Opportunity
Emily Mortimer’s Alicia is a far more engaging character than Phil, offering a nuanced portrayal of grief, confusion, and self-doubt. She represents a widow grappling with the painful realization that she wasn’t enough to keep her husband alive. Mortimer’s performance is raw and affecting, making it a missed opportunity that the film doesn’t delve deeper into her perspective.
However, her accent feels forced, and it may have been a better choice to allow her to stick with her natural English tone. Still, she delivers one of the film’s most emotional performances, capturing the deep hurt and frustration of being left behind without answers.
Supporting Cast Steals the Show
It’s a shame Kinnear didn’t take note of the fact that the supporting characters bolstered the movie more than Phil did. Kurt Fuller, Bradley Whitford, and Jay Duplass elevate even the film’s weaker moments with their presence. The ensemble cast brings energy and depth, making the story feel richer than it otherwise would.
As a directorial debut, Kinnear’s work lacks impact. There’s little in the way of standout cinematography, subtle storytelling, or memorable music. His attempts at visually representing vulnerability—through semi-nudity and stripped-down visuals—feel more forced than profound.
That said, Kinnear’s biggest strength is his own performance. He has an innate ability to play the likable everyman, and that charisma helps carry the film even when its direction feels uncertain.
Final Verdict: A Film Caught Between Genres
Phil struggles to find its footing between drama and comedy. The film might have been stronger if it had fully committed to either a romantic comedy or a deep character drama rather than wavering between the two.
Despite its flaws, Phil does leave viewers with a clear message: Happiness comes from appreciating what we have, rather than dwelling on what’s missing. Unfortunately, the film never fully articulates this idea—it’s something you have to discover in the performances rather than in the storytelling itself.
Rating: 2.5/5
Where to Watch: Prime Video
