Margaret Cho is mourning the loss of her beloved dog, Tanner, a companion who had been a significant part of her life. The grief is palpable as she navigates the void left by Tanner’s passing, a sentiment that resonates deeply with anyone who has experienced the loss of a pet. The emotional journey is captured poignantly in the film “All That We Love,” where Cho’s character, Emma, grapples with similar feelings of loss and loneliness.
In the film, Emma’s coworker Kayla, played by Missi Pyle, tries to offer solace with a comforting yet familiar sentiment: “My grandma used to say that, once they know they’re yours, they’ll always be with you. Even when they’re gone, they’ll find a way to let you know they’re still there.” This line, though often heard, strikes a chord, transforming what could be seen as a cliché into a profound reflection on love and loss.
“All That We Love,” directed by Yen Tan and co-written with Clay Liford, is a gentle meditation on the enduring impact of love. The film, which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival, features a stellar cast including Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Kenneth Choi, Alice Lee, Atsuko Okatsuka, and Devon Bostick. It explores the various forms of love and the indelible marks they leave, even after the loved ones are gone.
The opening scene of the film is heart-wrenching, with Emma singing to Tanner as he takes his last breaths in her lap. This moment sets the tone for the film, highlighting the acute pain of losing a pet. However, Tanner’s death is not the only loss Emma faces. Her daughter, Maggie, is preparing to move to Australia with her boyfriend, leaving Emma to confront an empty nest. Additionally, Emma’s ex-husband, Andy, re-enters her life, stirring up unresolved emotions.
Director Yen Tan skillfully portrays Tanner’s absence as a presence in itself. Visual cues like an empty dog bed or a full dog bowl serve as poignant reminders of Tanner’s absence. At times, the film bathes Emma in a golden glow, suggesting Tanner’s lingering love and presence. This visual storytelling, combined with a script rich in quirky yet relatable details, creates a deeply moving narrative.
Tan’s inspiration for the film came from his own experience of losing a dog named Tanner. This personal connection infuses the film with authenticity and emotional depth. Emma’s recounting of her daughter’s fixation on a shampoo ad, mistaking the actor for her absent father, adds layers to the narrative, illustrating the long-lasting impact of loss and abandonment.
Despite its emotional weight, the film finds moments of levity. Emma’s interactions with her new dog, Sal, and her exasperated response to Kayla’s suggestion that her tone might be causing the dog stress, inject humor into the story. These moments of tragicomedy provide a balance, making the film a nuanced exploration of grief and healing.
However, the film does struggle to fully flesh out the characters surrounding Emma. While Emma’s journey is deeply explored, other characters like her former sister-in-law Raven and her best friend Stan are less developed. This lack of depth in supporting characters sometimes leaves their lives outside of Emma’s orbit feeling underexplored.
The film excels in depicting the familiarity and intimacy between its characters. Emma and Andy’s interactions, filled with old attractions and arguments, feel authentic. Maggie’s reaction to her mother’s willingness to reconnect with Andy reveals the lingering pain of past betrayals. These dynamics add richness to the narrative, highlighting the complexities of human relationships.
Margaret Cho’s portrayal of Emma is a departure from her usual comedic roles, showcasing her ability to handle dramatic material with sensitivity and depth. Her performance anchors the film, making Emma’s journey through grief and healing compelling and relatable.
The final scenes of the film, where Emma spreads Tanner’s ashes, aim for catharsis. While not entirely achieving it, the film finds grace in Emma’s search for redemption. Tanner’s brief, ghostly appearance suggests a more profound narrative, but it is Cho’s performance that ultimately carries the emotional weight of the film.
Margaret Cho’s mourning of her beloved dog Tanner, both in real life and through her character in “All That We Love,” is a testament to the deep bond between humans and their pets. The film, with its blend of sorrow and humor, offers a heartfelt exploration of love, loss, and the enduring connections that shape our lives.
