"Can You Ever Forgive Me?" (2018) Review

McCarthy and Grant deliver the greatest performances of their career. 

Directed by: Marielle Heller

Rated: R

Runtime: 1:47

Review by: Livi Edmonson

Stunning, yet suspenseful in its simplicity, “Can You Ever Forgive Me?” is easily one of the best dramas of the year, if not the decade. Based on the true story by biographer Lee Israel (played by Melissa McCarthy), the film follows Lee as she impersonates Katharine Hepburn, Dorothy Kilgallen, as well as many other Hollywood figures, in archived letters that she supposedly was given by her “cousin”. The forgery began when Lee actually did stumble upon a real letter in a library book she was reading. Once she learned she could earn a serious amount of profit from writing the letters, the lonely author began researching these icons to make sure her impersonations were flawless. The crazy part about all of it is that she was able to really pull it off- kind of…

Excited by her newest hidden profession, Lee Israel makes the mistake of letting in her supposed “loyal” friend, Jack (played by Richard E. Grant), on the secret, also giving him a place to crash since he is homeless. What follows is a crazy story of deception, anticipation, and ultimately, loneliness. 

I must say that it was very difficult to see this film and be forgiving of McCarthy’s past disaster film streak. But it’s safe to say that the actress is at the height of her career with this transformative portrayal of Lee Israel. The best part: it wasn’t even a comedy.  If McCarthy was not nominated for an Oscar this particular year, she more than likely would have had a shot at taking home the gold. However, she is in the company of arguably some of the best actresses of our time and the chances of her winning are slim to none. But I would not be absolutely shocked if she was the major upset- she is very deserving.

Also nominated for an Academy Award this year but in the Supporting Actor category, Richard E. Grant also gives a marvelous performance, releasing an inner beast of an actor that audiences and critics never knew he had. Sure, we know him as just another posh, English actor, but in “Can You Ever Forgive Me?” Grant delivers the performance of a lifetime providing his character with the utmost depth. Though he seems to be right on Mahershala Ali’s tail at the Oscars, he definitely has a solid chance at winning. But I’m placing my bet on Ali.

Speaking of the Oscars, I am particularly shocked that this movie was not included amongst “Best Picture” nominees this year. It’s bad enough that theatrical and critical hits like “Crazy Rich Asians” and “Eighth Grade” were snubbed of a nomination, but finally getting to see this film proved to me that it was the biggest snub of all. Yes, it was nominated for “Best Adapted Screenplay” but I would have loved to have seen the film at least receive one or two more nominations. Also, I am quite aware that the trend is to only nominate female directors once in a blue moon, but it would have been nice to see director Marielle Heller pull out a “Best Director” nomination, not only because she is a female, but also because she absolutely deserves it. This was an intricate film to direct to say the least. 

All in all, the largest takeaway from “Can You Ever Forgive Me?” is that Melissa McCarthy can indeed act. Perhaps she has been able to act all along, but after years and years of box office trash, it’s hardly believable. Sadly, the film was gypped of the many nominations it deserved by the Academy, but audiences should still see the film, especially if they are intrigued by twisted dramas about real life criminals. Though the movie is subtle in the sense that we see the characters in pretty much the same venues, the complexity within the story is the definitive draw to it all. 

Here’s to hoping Melissa McCarthy never partakes in another slapstick comedy again. I give it a 9/10.