Ewan McGregor shares the screen with his daughter, Clara, who not only co-wrote the script with Vera Bulder and Ruby Caster but also drew upon elements of her own complex relationship with her father.
In Emma Westenberg’s poignant debut, McGregor portrays a recovering alcoholic father who unexpectedly reunites with his estranged daughter following her near-fatal drug overdose. Unbeknownst to her, he intends to take her to rehab. As they embark on this journey, it becomes clear that the road ahead is less about their physical destination and more about navigating the turbulent path of their past. In this raw and heartfelt drama, father and daughter reconnect amidst the shadows of their shared history.
Going in, I had a lot of hope for this film. The real-life familial bond held a lot of promise, and their palpable chemistry lends authenticity to their characters’ dynamic, mirroring aspects of their own shared history.
And while the initial hour engages with the McGregors’ verbal exchanges and the slow unraveling of their backstory, the narrative meanders when focusing on encounters with eccentric figures along their journey.
Director Emma Westenberg navigates through considered details, from claustrophobic framing to expansive shots, reflecting the characters’ emotional evolution. But despite its thoughtful elements, tender moments and engaging subject matter, the film falls short of offering fresh insights, relying instead on clichés and predictable storytelling.
Still, it was enjoyable, with light-hearted moments of humour, great performances and heartfelt intentions. It draws you in and takes you on a journey, but with a title as gut-punching as Bleeding Love, there was want for more emotional vigour than was sadly delivered.
The Glasgow Film Festival runs to March 10.
