A Bittersweet Journey Through Family, Forgiveness, and the Past
Raymond and Ray, a 2022 Apple TV Plus original film written and directed by Rodrigo García, is a poignant and darkly humorous story about two estranged half brothers who reunite following the death of their abusive father. Starring Ewan McGregor as Raymond and Ethan Hawke as Ray, the film blends elements of drama, comedy, and emotional reckoning to explore themes of trauma, family dysfunction, and the long shadow that difficult parents can cast over their children’s lives.
The story begins when Raymond, the more uptight and responsible of the two, visits Ray, a former jazz musician and recovering addict, to inform him that their father has died. Despite years of distance and bitterness, the two agree to attend the funeral. Upon arrival, they learn of their father’s unusual final wish that Raymond and Ray personally dig his grave. This unexpected demand sets off a journey filled with painful memories, uncomfortable truths, and unexpected revelations.
As they fulfill this strange task, Raymond and Ray are forced to confront the emotional wounds left by their shared father, a man who was charming to outsiders but cruel and controlling at home. Through a series of encounters with people who knew their father in different ways, including his current lover, past acquaintances, and even a few surprising siblings, the brothers slowly begin to understand that their own perception of him was just one piece of a larger and more complex puzzle.
Ewan McGregor and Ethan Hawke bring deep emotional range to their performances, capturing the contrasts between their characters while also showing the deep if troubled bond that still connects them. McGregor’s Raymond is a man who tries to hold everything together, repressing his pain behind politeness and logic. In contrast, Hawke’s Ray is wounded, impulsive, and angry, but also more honest about his pain. Their chemistry on screen gives the film a compelling dynamic, balancing sarcasm, tension, and moments of real tenderness.
Director Rodrigo García, known for his work on emotionally intimate stories, handles the material with a light but steady hand. The film does not rely on dramatic outbursts or sensational twists. Instead, it unfolds in a natural, reflective way, allowing the emotional resonance to build slowly. The cinematography, with soft natural lighting and understated visuals, complements the tone of the film, while the jazz influenced score adds a subtle layer of soul and melancholy.
Raymond and Ray is ultimately a film about coming to terms with the past and the complex legacy of family. It does not offer simple resolutions or complete healing, but it does suggest that even the most broken relationships can contain the seeds of understanding and reconciliation. By the end, the brothers may not be fully healed, but they have taken a meaningful step toward freeing themselves from the emotional prison their father left behind.
While not a loud or flashy film, Raymond and Ray is a thoughtful and affecting story that will resonate with viewers who appreciate quiet, character driven dramas about real emotional struggles and the power of forgiveness.
