Trigger warning: mentions of suicide

Before you start reading this, know that there will be spoilers.

I truly hope you have Kleenex on hand. This movie had many amazing themes, like repairing long-lasting friendships as well as forgiveness and redemption but, there are definitely sad scenes where I got teary-eyed. Overall, this movie was excellent, and I highly recommend it.

Otto is initially portrayed as a cantankerous and bitter man. Early on we see his short temper for people who don’t follow the rules of the neighborhood and the evidence of alienated relationships. He has been living in the same townhouse for many years. Otto keeps the blinds closed and lives a rigid life of predictability and isolation. There are flashbacks of Otto’s memories when he was younger meeting the woman he would soon marry. She seemed to be the only thing in his life that he lived for. She is gone when we meet Otto and in an early scene, we see Otto attempting to commit suicide so he could join his beloved wife. Through flashbacks we learn that his wife had been pregnant, and they were in a terrible accident which explains a deep darkness and profound grief that he is experiencing.

He attempts suicide several more times – each attempt is interrupted by someone in the neighborhood that is in need of his help. Otto’s sense of duty causes him to reluctantly pause and assist them. A certain family in particular, who is moving into their neighborhood, stops Otto on multiple occasions. They have two children, and the woman is expecting her third. The parking of their moving truck is one of the first events that interrupts Otto’s attempts to join his wife. He ends up helping them and in return, the woman brings him over some food to thank him for his help. This is the first time we see Otto’s shield begin to weaken.

The arrival of the new neighbors shakes loose the perpetual funk that has taken over his life, and he slowly starts to realize again why life is worth living. He encounters a young man who knew his wife and makes an unlikely friendship with him along the way. We see Otto finally embracing his newly created community, with new and old friends alike, and they become a large part of his life. At the end of the movie, we see Otto forgive his old friend, save a family, become a babysitter and handyman.

For me, this movie is a great example of courage and hope. Over time, Otto demonstrates vulnerability and courage by letting people back into the life he tried so hard to leave behind. Grief and sadness are part of our life experience, but so are hope and joy.

If you or someone you know is experiencing thoughts of suicide, help is available. Call, chat or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 Lifeline.

If you’re thinking about suicide, are worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, the 988 Lifeline network is available 24/7 across the United States.

A Man Called Otto is available to check out from the Mission Viejo Library.