The Book of Love (2017)

The Book of Love is the kind of small, sincere drama that sneaks up on you: a story about grief that doesn’t wallow, but instead builds something tender and quietly hopeful out of broken pieces. Jason Sudeikis brings a surprisingly grounded warmth to a man who’s lost his bearings, and Maisie Williams gives the film its spark as a tough, wounded kid whose impossible-seeming project becomes a lifeline for them both. The vibe is gentle, a little quirky, and genuinely charming, with the raft-building premise offering a steady, satisfying sense of forward motion even when emotions run high. It won’t be for everyone—if you want sharp-edged realism or a tightly plotted tearjerker, it may feel soft around the edges—but if you’re open to a heartfelt, character-driven healing journey, it’s easy to root for.

The Book of Love is clearly aiming for a tender grief-to-healing story, pairing a shut-down widower with a fierce runaway kid in a “building a raft, rebuilding a life” metaphor that wants to be uplifting. The problem is it often feels engineered rather than earned: the coincidences pile up, the emotions get pushed hard, and the writing leans into sentimental beats that can come off as manipulative instead of moving. If you need grounded drama and believable character choices, the pacing and implausible setup may test your patience, even with Jason Sudeikis and Maisie Williams doing their best to sell it. But if you’re in the mood for a soft, earnest tearjerker that prioritizes comfort over realism, you might still find a few warm moments worth your time.