A Man Called Otto is the wholesome and live-affirming movie that we all needed after what the last few years have been like.
The world has come through some things these last few years and so when a wholesome film comes along that makes you feel — really feel — it should be cherished. That is exactly how A Man Called Otto is. This story is beautiful, life-affirming, and something truly special. Sometimes it is so funny that you will find yourself laughing right through the tears that it caused you to cry. If you are looking for a film that delivers a powerful and special message, this is it.
Exactly The Movie We Need
A Man Called Otto is sneaking in right at the end of the year to give us something that we all need. Everyone goes through hard times in their lives but it is the people around us, and the way we handle them, that makes life truly worth living.
This film is based off of a Swedish film, that is based off of a book, and it follows a grumpy man whose wife has passed on and all he wants to do is leave Earth and go see her. He continuously tries to commit suicide, but is often interrupted and foiled by his new neighbors, Tommy and Marisol. This is where the humor comes in as they are a bright light that delivers the much needed comedic relief during a movie that is unafraid to dive into a heavy subject.
This is truly the movie that everyone needs to watch. It will have you thinking about your life, and appreciating it on a new level. Throughout the film we are also treated to Otto’s love story with his wife, which is enough to warm even the coldest heart.
Mariana Treviño Is A Gem
It should come as no surprise that Tom Hanks is absolutely phenomenal in the role. The way he delivers Otto’s lines with a straight face is perfection. He makes it easy to love this man who clearly hates so much in his life. However, it is Mariana Treviño that is the star of this film. She holds her own opposite Hanks as Marisol, even stealing quite a few scenes from him.
She is a sweetheart who is also unafraid to tell it like it is. She barely knows Otto at the start of the movie but she doesn’t mind putting him in his place when he needs to be put there. Treviño and Hanks have great on screen chemistry and if a real friendship was not formed, well, they sure fooled us. Marisol provides a lot of the comedic relief, but she brings the majority of the heart of the film as well.
Yes, There Is An LGBTQ+ Character
One of the greatest moments of the film is when we learn the impact that Otto’s wife had on one of her students, a trans character that is shunned by his family because he wishes to live as a male. The way this part of the story is handled is beautiful. The character becomes a fast favorite, and continues to be an important part of the movie — and of Otto’s life.
This could have been a quick passing moment, but it is fully embraced and we love that about it. Representation matters.
Overall Thoughts
A Man Called Otto is one of the most genuine films in years. It is wholesome, charming, and absolutely brilliant. It tells a story that we all need to hear and take to heart, and is sure to have viewers everywhere appreciating their lives. Hanks delivers a powerful performance but it is the lovely Mariana Treviño that steals the show.
This movie is something truly special. Do not let it fly under the radar, as it will leave quite the impact on anyone who watches it.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
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About A Man Called Otto
Based on the # 1 New York Times bestseller “A Man Called Ove,” A Man Called Otto tells the story of Otto Anderson (Tom Hanks), a grump who no longer sees purpose in his life following the loss of his wife. Otto is ready to end it all, but his plans are interrupted when a lively young family moves in next door, and he meets his match in quick-witted Marisol.
She challenges him to see life differently, leading to an unlikely friendship that turns his world around. A heartwarming and funny story about love, loss, and life, A Man Called Otto shows that family can sometimes be found in the most unexpected places.
A Man Called Otto hits theaters on December 25th.
Tessa Smith is a Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer-approved Film and TV Critic. On Camera personality and TV / Film Critic with 10+ years of experience in video editing, writing, editing, moderating, and hosting.