Moon Manor Movie Review (2021)

A lovely small film about a man with Alzheimer’s who chooses to end his life on his own terms, Moon Manor hits all of the right humorous and emotional notes.

Death is an experience that every one of us is going to have one day. It is part of the cycle of life, so we all know that it is coming, but how it happens has long been a controversial subject of discussion. Whether talking about euthanasia or state assisted death, death with dignity is becoming much more of a modern conversation, particularly for those with terminal illnesses.

Moon Manor is a movie about Jimmy, a man living with advancing Alzheimer’s, who has decided that today is the day that he will die. He has invited all of his friends to his FUN-eral for a party so that he can enjoy their company, hear what they have to say to him and about him, and then end his life in the company of his chosen death doula, his caretaker, and a writer (set to write a story about Jimmy’s life and his death).

This is a very sweet dramedy about a specific man with an incredibly eccentric past who spends his days greeting his neighborhood friends, thinking of his partner of 18 years (who passed away long ago), and living in the present. The sounds of the birds, the memories that he has made – they are what make him who he is. And as those parts of him dim so rapidly, he feels that it is time to go. Why would he stay if he isn’t himself?

As much as you know that this film is about an ultimate suicide, it is framed with calm, peace, and love. Everyone he loves shows up to tell their wild stories about him. His death doula and caretaker are always watching for what he may need because they clearly love him. And while watching the movie, you start to feel the same way.

There are a few familiar faces that show up (Debra Wilson from Mad TV, Heather Morris from Glee, and Ricki Lake), but there are no A-list stars – which really makes this Jimmy’s story. As it should be.

While talking (or thinking) about Jimmy’s memories, there is some beautiful camerawork as memories show up in the room. A child will start walking down his stairs and into a scene with a memory or the room will shift so that it looks like you’ve just moved over, but a memory begins in the same room as older Jimmy. It all feels incredibly intimate.

Moon Manor is a low budget indie that is worthy of your time. All of the videos that you see are from the actor – James ‘Jimmy’ Carrozo’s life and while this last day is fictionalized, much of it is based in reality. This is a special film.

Runtime: 98 minutes

Motion Picture Rating: Unrated (I would say around PG because of the subject matter)

Languages Spoken In The Film: English

Should You Watch It? Yes, it’s a lovely film

Did I Cry? Yes, several times

My Rating: 4/5 Stars

Available: Free on Prime Video and Tubi, or may be available for free on other streaming platforms