The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby: Movie Review

Writer/director Ned Benson’s “The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby” is actually a combined version of his two previous films, “The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby: Him” and “The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby: Her”. The combined version is referred to as “Them”. I have not seen “Him” and “Her” but after suffering through “Them”, I have absolutely no desire to see two films from each perspective. Jessica Chastain is fantastic here even though I could not stand the character she was playing. Unfortunately that is the best compliment I could give a movie that made me struggle to stay awake.

“Rigby” opens with Conor (James McAvoy)and Eleanor (Jessica Chastain) having a wonderful date night in which they dine and dash, then get romantic in the park. We are then transported a few years later and the once happy couple is now separated. They have both changed after the loss of their baby. Eleanor disappears from Conor’s life after her failed suicide attempt. While Eleanor has now moved back home with her parents (Isabelle Huppert and William Hurt) and her sister (Jess Weixler), Conor can’t seem to move on without the love of his life. He begins to basically stalk her after learning that she is taking college classes nearby.

Conor and Eleanor are two extremely unhappy people and with good reason, but it also makes sitting through “The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby” a chore. The only moment that I found remotely interesting is when Conor and his best friend/ chef Stuart (Bill Hader) have their heart to heart. Hader has a minor role here, but he is proving to be a good dramatic actor. I just would like to see him get better material to work with. The talented cast couldn’t save my urge to disappear from the theater.

By: Marc Ferman