ALL THAT WE LOVE

(director/writer: Yen Tan; screenwriter: Clay Lifford; cinematographer: Jon Keng; editor: Yang Hua Hu; music: Jon Natchez; cast: Kenneth Choi (Andy), Margaret Cho (Emma), Devon Bostick (Nate), Missi Pyle (Kayla), Jesse Tyler Ferguson (Stan), Alice Lee (Maggie), Atsuko Okatsuka (Raven); Runtime: 90; MPAA Rating: NR; producers: Jonathan Duffy, Kelly Williams, Rebecca Green, Tim Headington, Theresa Steele Page; Ten Acre Films/Lay Line Entertainment; 2024)

“Throws a bone to dog lovers.”

Reviewed by Dennis Schwartz

Malasian-born Yen Tan (“The Outfit”/”1985”) is director-writer of this mid-life crisis dramedy, a film inspired by the death of Tan’s own dog Tanner. It’s co-written by Tan and Clay Lifford in a quirky but realistic way. Its theme is that with new beginnings come forgiveness, as it throws a bone to dog lovers.

Sadly, as the film opens in a Los Angeles home, the beloved pet dog Tanner, of the middle-aged Emma (Margaret Cho), dies. It comes at a time her free-spirit illustrator daughter Maggie (Alice Lee) plans to leave temporarily, without her permission, with her boyfriend Nate (Devon Bostick) for Australia. Meanwhile her ex-husband Andy (Kenneth Choi) unexpectedly returns from Singapore after being away for four years. He moves into Emma’s place with his sister Raven (Atsuko Okatsuka).

The former marrieds are still attracted to each other, but still get into the same old arguments they did before.

Emma’s best friend Stan (Jesse Tyler Ferguson) is also experiencing a loss and is expressing his grief through a lifestyle makeover.

Emma’s co-worker Kayla (Missi Pyle) offers her sincere message of comfort for Emma’s loss by telling her “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.”

The doggie sentiments come across as sentimental mush. The characters surrounding Emma come across as not as fully developed as Emma. But the story still resonates as a familiar one that most people can relate to, as it’s earnest, palatable and shows that probably most pet owners make deep connections with their pets.

It played at the Tribeca Film Festival.

REVIEWED ON 1/3/2025  GRADE: B-
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