Pity

Plot

With his comatose and hospitalised wife into a steadily critical condition, a neat and grief-stricken solicitor finds himself all alone to take care of his teenage son. Struggling to cope with a shocking new reality while shrouded by a thick veil of perpetual sadness, more and more, the stone-faced lawyer realises that extreme pain and misery can evoke intense pleasure, as the neighbours' unconditional sympathy becomes increasingly addictive. Now, the pained father's burgeoning dependence to pity and the kindness of others turns into a plentiful source of bliss, and he's prepared to go to great lengths to prolong it. However, what happens if, God forbid, his wife recovers?

Why watch

"Pity" delves into the haunting allure of grief, exploring how the depths of despair can become a source of unexpected pleasure. With its stark visuals and intimate storytelling, this film invites viewers to confront the complexities of human emotion and the addictive nature of sympathy.

Talking points

• the nature of grief and its manifestations
• the societal need for empathy
• the psychological effects of isolation
• the ethics of emotional dependency

Cultural context

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