A Single Man (2009)

A Single Man (2009) is a quiet, elegiac character drama set in 1962 Los Angeles. The film follows George Falconer, a British college English professor who, still devastated by the sudden death of his partner of 16 years, decides to spend one final day putting his affairs in order before ending his life. As George moves through a single day of routine—teaching a class, visiting the bank, writing letters and saying goodbye—brief encounters with people from his life (a glamorous, complicated old friend; a flirtatious young immigrant; an inquisitive student) and a stream of vivid memories of his relationship gradually tug him between resignation and the possibility of connection. Watching the movie is an intimate, sensory experience: restrained but richly composed visuals, a measured pace, and internal, reflective narration create a mood of polished sorrow. You’ll feel the weight of loss and loneliness, but also see how small kindnesses, unexpected warmth, and everyday beauty can break through despair. The film is emotionally subtle rather than melodramatic—at once melancholic, tender, and occasionally wry—leaving viewers moved, thoughtful, and lingering on questions of love, dignity, and the value of a single life.

Actors: Colin Firth, Julianne Moore, Matthew Goode

Director: Tom Ford

Runtime: 99 min

Genres: Drama, Romance

6.8 /10 77 /100 7.5 /10 7.3 /10