A Man Called Otto is a terrific 2022 American comedy-drama film, directed by Marc Forster from a screenplay by David Magee, and it stars Tom Hanks in the title role. This is actually a remake of a 2015 Swedish film with the title A Man Called Ove, which was based on the 2012 novel of the same name, written by Fredrik Backman. 

The movie begins when a lively young family moves in across the street from our main protagonist Otto, a grumpy seemingly misunderstood widower. He meets a pregnant woman and mother of two named Marisol, leading to a friendship that changes his entire world. Hanging on to the memory of his loving wife, Otto learns over time to keep living without the strings of his past holding him down.

Despite this being listed as a comedy, this movie has its heartfelt moments and is overall really emotional. Before we move on to talking about the film, I must state that this movie addresses topics of self-harm and depression, mainly focusing on Otto’s sadness. The wholesomeness of the film does however make up for all the scenes that make you feel like crying. 

The character of Otto has been wanting to cut his life short for quite some time, but Marisol refuses to leave him alone after their first interaction, and she keeps coming back to see him. Again and again, even during his attempts to die, she ends up saving his life. 

After a few weeks we see a bond grow between Otto and Marisol, and she is the only neighbor that Otto feels comfortable with after the death of his wife. The film is so thought-provoking and it illustrates how powerful friendship and love can be. 

This movie is perfect, and the backstory behind Otto’s behavior, and why he’s the angry old man everyone sees him as, is just heartbreaking. It also comes to show that, with compassion and the right care, you can break even the hardest shell, metaphorically speaking of course. 

As the story progresses we see how Otto starts opening up and losing his whole grouchy act. Although the way he expresses himself may come off differently than you would expect, he always truly cares for the others around him.

This movie is way better than I can tell you, and the way I’m writing about it makes it seem underwhelming, but I promise you that it is the chef’s kiss. It’s inspiring and interesting, and it keeps you on edge because you’re constantly wondering, “What’s going to happen next?” You keep hoping that the characters will really achieve the good ending they deserve, and there are scenes and interactions between the characters that will hit you right in the heart.

I really highly recommend you watch this movie. And if you’ll take my advice and give this movie a try, it’s streaming now on Hulu, Disney+, and many other services. It’ll have you thinking about it for days, let me tell you.