Written and directed by Dan Levy,Good Griefis a romantic dramedy scheduled to make its Netflix premiere on Jul 20, 2025. The story follows Marc, a man whose life is upended when his husband and mother suddenly die. To help him recover and overcome his losses, Marc turns to his two best friends, Sophie and Thomas, who attempt to boost Marc’s morale by taking him to Paris.
Despite the tragedy that springboards the plot,Good Griefhas garnered positive reviews for its superb central performances and stylish appearance. In addition to Levy taking center stage as Marc in the movie, fans are bound to recognize the superb supporting cast from several popular movies and TV shows. Here is the cast and character guide forGood Grief.
Good Grief
Dan Levy as Marc Dreyfus
Dan Levyplays protagonist Marc Dreyfus inGood Grief. Marc is an artist approaching his 40s whose life shows great promise. Following a holiday party, Marc’s husband Oliver suddenly dies in an unforeseen tragedy. With his world completely shattered, Marc turns to his close friends Sophie and Thomas to help him grieve. Marc also grapples with the death of his mother, which Oliver helped him get over in the past. While venturing to Paris to leave their troubles behind, Marc finds catharsis through friendship.
The son of Eugene Levy, Dan Levy hit his stride when helming several episodes and starring asDavid Rose in the hit sitcomSchitt’s Creek. Levy has gone on to star in such projects asHaunted Mansion, Sex Education, Happiest Season, The Idol, and more.Good Griefmarks Levy’s first time directing a feature film. Given the splendid reviews of the film, fans are bound to see Levy write and direct more projects in the future.
Ruth Negga as Sophie
Ruth Neggaplays Sophie in the movie. Sophie is one of Marc’s closest friends who joins him on a trip to Paris to help him grieve. Sophie is a self-proclaimed “hot mess” who struggles to get her own life in order. Sophie used to be romantically involved with Thomas, but now the two are mutual friends who direct their energy to help Marc. Sophie is kind, funny, caring, and truly wants to see Marc find happiness in his life.
Negga is a fantastic actor with an eclectic filmography. After starring inAgents of S.H.I.E.L.D.for five seasons, Negga went on to give a stellar performance inPreacher.In the interim, Negga scored an Oscar nomination for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role for her stunning work in the historical dramaLoving. Negga has also starred inWarcraft, Ad Astra, and gave a terrific turn inPassingopposite Tessa Thompson.
Himesh Patel as Thomas
Himesh Patelportrays Thomas in the film. Thomas is Marc’s close friend and Sophie’s ex-boyfriend turned best friend. Determined to cheer Marc up following his tragic loss, Thomas and Sophie take him to Paris and encourage him to confront his feelings and finally open a Christmas card left by Oliver. In many ways, Thomas and Sophie’s relationship mirrors Marc’s journey of healing and self-discovery.
Patel got his start on the long-running British soapEastEndersbefore going on to star in such popular movies asChristopher Nolan’s FX-driven movieTenet, Adam McKay’sDon’t Look Up, and Netflix’s hit mystery seriesBlack Mirror. Patel can also be seen in such TV shows asDamned, The Luminaries, Ten Percent, and Avenue 5.With his profile rapidly increasing, Patel is poised to star in the upcoming TV showThe Franchiseand feature film,Greedy People.
Luke Evans as Oliver
Luke Evansplays Oliver inGood Grief. Oliver is Marc’s husband and an A-list writer behind a fictional Hollywood franchise on par withThe Hunger Games. The plot kicks off when Oliver rushes out of a Christmas party for a book signing and gets into a fatal car accident that forces Marc to grapple with his devastating grief. Before dying, Oliver helps Marc heal from his mother’s death and his demise stirs up old feelings that Marc must contend with.
RELATED:Luke Evans' 5 Best Performances, Ranked
Evans is an accomplished actor with roughly 50 credits and 20 years of experience. While perhaps best known for playing Shaw inThe Fast and Furiousfranchise and Bard inThe Hobbitseries, Evans has made his presence felt in everything fromMaandMidwaytoThe AlienistandNine Perfect Strangers. While typically drawn to physical action roles, it’s nice to see Evans stretch his acting range in a tender romantic dramedy likeGood Grief.
Celia Imrie as Imelda
Celie Imrieplays a woman named Imelda in the movie. Imelda is Oliver’s literary agent who is responsible for managing his employment opportunities. Imelda also doubles as Marc and Oliver’s accountant, and it’s through her that Marc learns that Oliver secretly owned an apartment in Paris. While the performances have been applauded across the board, Imrie is said to give one of the strongest turns in the film.
Imrie is a veteran performer with over 180 credits in her decorated career. Best known for such enchanting British movies asCalendar Girls, Nanny McPhee, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, andBridget Jones’sfranchise, Imrie recently appeared in the FX dramaBetter Things,the Netflix rom-comLove Again,and the Netflix political dramaThe Diplomat.
Arnaud Valois as Theo
Arnaud Valoisplays a man named Theo inGood Grief. Theo is a sophisticated French art enthusiast whom Marc meets in Paris and uses his vast connections in the city to give him a tour of the city. Sophie and Thomas challenge Marc to attend a performance art piece at a warehouse. There, Marc briefly meets Theo. Over time, Theo helps Marc overcome his loss and the two even flirt with kindling a romance.
RELATED:40 Best Netflix Original Movies to Watch Right Now
Valois is a talented actor best known for such movies as120 BPM,The Girl on the Train,Spring Blossom, andLifelines. Valois' TV credits includeLT-21, Moloch, and the upcoming historical dramaKaiser Karl. Valois also wrote and directed the 2021 short film,Le Nouveau Moi, which could mark a transition for the talented storyteller in the future.
David Bradley as Duncan
David Bradleyplays Duncan inGood Grief. Duncan is Oliver’s father who is left reeling over the sudden death of his beloved son. In a crucial dramatic moment in the story, Duncan gives a melancholic speech at his son’s funeral that moves the audience to tears and forces Marc to rethink his next move. While brief, Bradley makes the most of his limited screen time as Duncan.
Most famous for playing Argus Filch intheHarry Potterfranchise, Bradley is a highly decorated actor with roughly 150 credits to his name. A mainstay in such Edgar Wright movies asHot FuzzandThe World’s Endas well, fans can see Bradley inDoctor Who, Guillermo Del Toro’s Pinocchio, Your Christmas or Mine, Wizards, Trollhunters, Game of Thrones, Broadchucrch,and a whole lot more.
Kaitlyn Dever as Lily Kayne
Kaitlyn Deverplays Lily Kayne in the movie. Lily is a superficial actress known for starring as Victoria in the movies based on the novels written by Oliver. Lily appears at Oliver’s funeral to show her support but her presence is more awkward than anything, especially for Marc. Wildly self-absorbed and dressed inappropriately for the occasion, Lily makes Oliver’s funeral all about herself.
Dever is a fast-rising actor who recently starred in the hit Apple TV+ original seriesDopesick. In 2023, Dever also appeared inTaika Waititi’s feel-good movieNext Goal Winsand the Hulu horror/Sci-Fi filmNo One Will Save You. With standout movie credits that includeBooksmart, Rosaline,andDear Evan Hansen,Dever is likely best known for her decade-long performance as Eve Baxter inLast Man Standing.
