Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on February 2012

To some, it will always be too soon for movies about 9/11. I personally object to its exploitation to spice up a moribund story (see—no, don’t—2010’s Remember Me), but I also think it’s a good thing to remember and perhaps share a little of the pain felt every day by the victims’ families. While this isn’t really about the disaster, it centers on a boy who lost his father in it, and on the strong bond between them. Most of it takes place a year after the attack. Oskar (gifted newcomer Thomas Horn), an intelligent 11-year-old with hints of Asperger’s syndrome, finds in his father’s closet a key that he thinks will lead him to something his dad wanted him to find, and launches a city-wide quest for the lock it fits. Reluctantly accompanying him is his grandma’s mute, octogenarian boarder, played by a terrific Max von Sydow. All this time, Oskar is carrying his own terrible secret about the day. Also Sandra Bullock, Zoe Caldwell, Viola Davis, Jeffrey Wright and John Goodman. While occasionally borderline precious, Stephen Daldry’s film is cathartic, illuminating and honestly (mostly) moving. So is it too soon? You judge. I think it’s okay.