Monuments, the latest film by Chicago filmmaker Jack C. Nance, takes on the theme of grief in a modern-western adventure story that is as heartfelt as it is wonderfully eccentric.
David Sullivan stars as Ted Daniels, a recently widowed man who goes on the run with his wife’s ashes while his oddball in-laws give chase. To make matters more complicated, the spirit of Ted’s deceased wife (Marguerite Moreau) tags along as company.
A terrific score by Nick Takenobu Ogawa accompanies fine performances, especially from Sullivan who blends every man charm with on-ley comedic timing. A number of eccentric segues achieve the task of keeping things lively while not descending in pretentiousness, resulting in a midlife coming of age story that is equally funny and heartfelt.
