Rabbit Hole

A sensitive take on the harsh realities of life

This film is a sensitive, remarkable portrayal of life post a traumatic experience. This genre has been slightly under-exposed (maybe as far as my cinematic experience goes) as most films on similar lines take you up to the traumatic event (Stepmom, One Night Stand, Kal Ho Na Ho) climaxing soon afterwards. Rabbit Hole tells us the story of a couple coping up with the recent, untimely death of their only son.

The title is borrowed from the phrase 'down the rabbit hole', used in Lewis Caroll's Alice in Wonderland, which symbolizes venturing into the unknown. Here, it is manifested in the story as both Becca (Nicole Kidman) and Howie (Aaron Eckhart) face life in a way they never thought they would.

What worked for me in an otherwise sentimental and slow film was the immensely believable characterization. Both Becca and Howie are real people, who loved their kid but also strive to get their life back on track. Although dealing with the same trauma, their methods to cope with it are entirely different. I liked Becca's character more as I found her behaviour to be quite eccentric, compared to Howie who is more open to trying self-help groups, contemplates having another baby and even thinks about an affair longing for emotional attachment at a certain point of time. All of this are relatable to an extent, while Nicole's Becca reminds me of Priyanka Gandhi and when she went to meet her father's murderer.

Although not an entertainer to the core, this film certainly holds a lot of weight due to an able cast and a touching, yet witty-at-times take on the subject. Recommended one time viewing, if only to watch Nicole Kidman act magnificiently well.