Common Sense Media Review
By Stefan Pape
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Addiction-focused drama includes drinking, drugs, sex.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Death of a Ladies' Man
What's the Story?
DEATH OF A LADIES' MAN follows college professor Samuel O'Shea (Gabriel Byrne) who drifts through life with a poetry book in one hand and a hip flask in the other. His reckless, alcohol-fueled lifestyle catches up with him when he's diagnosed with an inoperable tumor and given just months to live. Will the man who has never changed for anybody finally contemplate doing just that? Or is it too little, too late?
Is It Any Good?
This offbeat drama relies heavily on Byrne's central performance. The Irish actor does a great job of bringing Samuel O'Shea to vivid life in Death of a Ladies' Man, bringing a complexity and nuance to the character. But as the story progresses, it becomes overly complicated. The attempt to cram too much into the narrative weakens the story, losing sight of what made it compelling initially. However, the film's eccentricity should be applauded. Director Matt Bissonnette takes creative risks and keeps viewers questioning whether what they're seeing is real or imagined, as Samuel suffers hallucinations as a result of his brain tumor. The Leonard Cohen soundtrack is another strong asset, though it doesn't exactly lighten the film's somber tone.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about addiction and its impact on relationships in Death of a Ladies' Man. How did Samuel's drinking affect his family and friends? What are the warning signs of alcohol addiction? How can families support someone struggling with substance abuse while also protecting themselves from harmful behavior?
Discuss the difference between making amends and truly changing behavior. Samuel reflected on his life and wanted to make peace with the people he hurt, but was this enough? What does genuine accountability look like?
How did the movie portray sex and relationships? Was it affectionate? Respectful? Parents, talk to your teens about your own values regarding sex and relationships.
Talk about some of the language used. Did it seem necessary, or excessive? What did it contribute to the movie?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : September 26, 2025
- Cast : Gabriel Byrne , Brian Gleeson , Jessica Paré
- Director : Matt Bissonnette
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Buffalo 8 Productions
- Genre : Drama
- Run time : 100 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 22, 2025
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