The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby: Them (2014) Movie ft. James, Bill, and Jessica

The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby: Them stands as one of cinema’s most ambitious projects of the 2010s. This 2014 drama represents writer-director Ned Benson’s directorial debut and showcases an extraordinary narrative experiment. Originally conceived as two separate films which premiered at the 2013 Toronto International Film Festival, the project was later condensed into this single theatrical release.

The film boasts a powerhouse cast led by Jessica Chastain as Eleanor Rigby and James McAvoy as Conor Ludlow. Supporting them is an impressive group including Viola Davis, William Hurt, Isabelle Huppert, Ciarán Hinds, Bill Hader, and others. This drama-romance explores the devastating impact of tragedy on marriage, examining grief, loss, and redemption through deeply personal views.

Plot and Story

The story follows Eleanor and Conor, a young married couple in New York whose perfect relationship shatters after losing their child. The film opens with flashbacks showing happier times before jumping to the present crisis.

Eleanor attempts suicide by jumping from Manhattan Bridge into the East River. After being rescued, she decides to separate from Conor and disappears from their shared life. She retreats to her wealthy parents’ Connecticut home with her sister and nephew.

Meanwhile, Conor struggles to understand his wife’s departure while managing his failing restaurant. The film explores how each character processes grief differently. Eleanor tries rebuilding through education and family, while Conor desperately maintains their old life.

Their parallel healing journeys eventually intersect, leading to moments of both hope and heartbreak. The story refuses easy answers, instead presenting honest portrayals of how trauma changes people forever.

Acting Performances

Jessica Chastain delivers a luminous performance as Eleanor Rigby. Her portrayal captures a woman torn between overwhelming grief and desire to reclaim life. I found Chastain brings both vulnerability and strength, making Eleanor’s journey feel authentic and deeply moving.

James McAvoy provides equally compelling work as Conor, desperately trying to hold onto fragments of his former life. McAvoy effectively shows the confusion and pain of feeling abandoned by someone you love most. His chemistry with Chastain creates believable moments of tenderness and conflict.

The supporting cast elevates everything significantly. William Hurt as Eleanor’s father delivers profound moments about tragedy and relationships. Isabelle Huppert brings depth as Eleanor’s mother, a former French free spirit now trapped in suburban life.

Viola Davis, though in a smaller role as Professor Friedman, creates a memorable mentor character. Bill Hader provides naturalistic support as Conor’s friend, while Ciarán Hinds brings warmth as Conor’s father.

Direction and Technical Aspects

Ned Benson’s direction shows remarkable maturity for a debut feature. His approach feels both intimate and observational, allowing scenes to breathe while maintaining emotional intensity. The pacing, while sometimes slow, serves the story’s contemplative nature.

Cinematographer Chris Blauvelt creates visually striking shots that enhance emotional landscapes. Notable sequences include Eleanor’s lonely figure in subway stairwells and strategic camera movements. The visual storytelling effectively supports themes of isolation and connection.

Production design authentically captures both bohemian New York City energy and pristine suburban Connecticut suffocation. These contrasting environments reflect characters’ internal states perfectly. The strategic use of sound and silence creates atmospheric backdrops enhancing naturalistic performances.

Critics and Audience Response

The film received generally positive reviews from critics, earning 66% on Rotten Tomatoes based on 90 reviews with 6.44/10 average. The consensus reads: Led by strong performances from Jessica Chastain and James McAvoy, The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby is a hauntingly original rumination on love and loss.

Metacritic assigned 57/100 based on 33 critics, indicating mixed or average reviews. Critics praised performances and ambitious concepts while noting pacing and structure concerns.

Roger Ebert described it as an honorable but disjointed domestic drama that smartly revisits well-trod territory but sometimes feels padded. Common Sense Media called it fascinating (if somewhat overlong) and praised it as formidable viewing.

Public reception was more divided. IMDb users gave it 6.3/10, reflecting polarized responses to its experimental approach. Many appreciated performances while finding narrative structure challenging.

What Works

The film’s greatest strength lies in authentic grief portrayal. Unlike many Hollywood dramas, it doesn’t offer false hope or artificial resolution. Performances, particularly from Chastain and McAvoy, create genuine emotional investment in these struggling characters.

Supporting cast provides crucial depth, especially William Hurt’s scenes with Chastain offering insightful family dynamics. The film’s exploration of how tragedy affects entire family systems adds enriching complexity.

Benson’s experimental narrative structure creates unique viewing experiences setting it apart from conventional relationship dramas. Visual storytelling and naturalistic dialogue contribute to authentic feelings.

What Could Be Better

The film’s main weakness stems from combining two separate movies. This sometimes creates pacing issues and structural problems making scenes feel disconnected or redundant. Critics noted it can feel overlong, particularly in meandering scenes.

The experimental nature, while admirable, sometimes works against traditional narrative satisfaction. Viewers expecting clear resolution or conventional character arcs may feel frustrated. Some supporting characters feel underutilized despite strong performances.

The film’s refusal to explicitly detail the tragic event may leave viewers emotionally distanced from characters’ pain. This bold narrative choice requires significant audience investment to fully engage.

Bottom Line

The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby: Them represents an ambitious attempt to create something genuinely different in contemporary cinema. While it may not achieve full potential of Benson’s original concept, it stands as compelling exploration of love, loss, and healing possibilities.

The film succeeds through exceptional performances and emotional honesty. Chastain and McAvoy create fully realized characters whose pain feels immediate and real. Supporting cast provides essential depth elevating material beyond simple relationship drama.

Despite structural imperfections and pacing issues, the film offers mature, thoughtful examination of how people process trauma differently. It rewards patient viewers willing to engage with contemplative approaches to difficult subject matter.

For those seeking conventional romantic drama with clear resolution, this may disappoint. However, for viewers interested in character-driven narratives exploring complex emotions, The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby: Them offers unique and worthwhile experiences.

Rating: 3.5/5