Words such as “difficult” and “challenging” are often used to describe films that are overtly violent or disturbing in a graphic way, but they can also be implied to moreintimate dramas that touch upon the anxieties that their audience may be able to relate to.Those living in the United States have known the horrors of gun violence, as the sheer amount of tragedies that regularly occur make it nearly impossible to not know someone that has been affected.It’s a subject that has proven to be uncomfortable for films to deal with;not only could it conjure up negative feelings that viewers may not want to deal with, but it is unlikelyfor such a politically-charged issueto be depicted in a way that could legitimately change minds. However,Massis a gripping, refined drama that copes with the lasting consequences of violence, and featuresJason Isaacsin the single most heartbreaking performance of his entire career.
What Is ‘Mass’ About?
Masstakes place six years following a school shooting, in which the high school student Hayden killed many of his classmates before taking his own life. After the death of their son, Evan, the grieving parents Jay (Isaacs) and Gail (Martha Plimpton)became adamant advocates for gun control,arguing that the tragedy could have been preventable if there were reasonable laws in place. Jay and Gail’s advocacy included disparaging comments made about Hayden’s parents, Richard (Reed Birney) and Linda (Ann Dowd), who had to deal with thelegal ramifications of their crime. In an effort to amend their relationships, the two couples agree to meet at an Episcopal Church in order to hold a discussion where they may understand each other. Although there has been significant changes within the six years since the shooting, Jay has remained just as heartbroken and angry as he was in the moment,making it challenging for him to offer forgivenessto those he feels played a role in his son’s demise.
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“Feelings are scary. And sometimes they’re painful. And if you can’t feel pain, then you’re not gonna feel anything else, either.”
Isaacs shows the extent to which Jay has immersed himself with an activist movementin order to spare himself the feelings of helplessness that remain potent within his mind. Although he does feel that changing laws may help other parents so they do not have to experience the same unthinkable consequences that he does,nothing he has done will be able to bring back his son.Jay doesn’t view his comments about Richard and Linda to be offensive because he doesn’t feel that it is his responsibility to be forgiving; he has seen the nation’s lawmakers too easily walk back any substantial changes to the law, and feels that by “forgiving” Hayden’s parents, he is offering the same appeasement. The cold, disquieting dynamic he shares with Gail is particularly upsetting, asit is understood that the couple can pick up on each other’s thoughts.This suggests that there was a moment in their relationship where they felt truly immersed in one another,but that their marriage has not been the samesince Evan’s death.
Jason Isaacs Shows Parental Grief in ‘Mass’
Isaacs shows a complex depiction of griefthat often sparks rage within him; among the most upsetting scenes is an extended moment in which Jay explains to Richard and Linda how his son died, proving the sort of graphic details that have not been made public in the aftermath. Although this causes significant emotional distress for them both, it is not Jay’s intentionto get vengeance by speaking the truth. He feels that it is important for Richard and Linda to understand the full extent of the damage that Hayden causedbefore they can even begin trying to position him as a victim.
Massunpacks the true strength it takes to find forgiveness, as Jay only gradually comes around to the idea that Hayden’smental health should be taken into consideration. Although finding solutions is the most important priority for him, he also understands thatprogress is impossible if both sides are unwilling to recognize each other’s humanity.Massis a film that shouldn’t have to be as relevant as it still is, but its a credit to Isaacs’ bravery that he was able to crystalize the anguish that has been inflicted upon far too many parents.
Years after a tragic incident that changed their lives, two sets of parents agree to meet in a small church basement to discuss the unimaginable pain caused by their sons. Through their conversation, they confront their deepest grief and seek a path toward understanding and reconciliation.
