Filmmaker Ross McElwee, known for his influential 1985 documentary *Sherman’s March*, offers an intimate exploration of personal loss in his latest film. Drawing extensively on his own life and family archives, McElwee addresses the tragic death of his son, Adrian, who passed away in 2016.

The new documentary blends footage spanning McElwee’s decades-long career with candid moments from his family’s private life, creating a deeply personal narrative about grief and memory. Adrian is portrayed through various stages of his life: a curious child captivated by the natural world, particularly giant squids; a bright but troubled teenager; and a young adult who, like his father, was frequently behind the camera lens. The film captures not only Adrian’s multifaceted personality but also the profound impact of his loss on those closest to him.

McElwee’s work continues his tradition of turning the camera inward, using documentary filmmaking as a tool for introspection and emotional processing. This new feature stands out for its rawness and sincerity, reflecting the filmmaker’s effort to confront and comprehend a devastating personal tragedy through the archival material he had meticulously collected over the years.

The film’s structure is notable for its layered approach, weaving together past and present footage in an intricate collage that allows viewers to engage with the narrative on multiple levels. It provides a nuanced portrait of grief, memory, and familial bonds, illustrating how the remnants of everyday life and past experiences can shape one’s understanding of loss.

By revisiting his extensive video archive, McElwee offers a unique perspective on mourning, one grounded in both the specificity of his own experience and the universal themes of love, curiosity, and the fragile nature of life.