Common Sense Media Review
By Christie Cronan
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Painfully heartfelt dramedy navigates grief, loss; language.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Miss You, Love You
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
A bitter, grieving widow (Allison Janney) makes an unexpected bond with her estranged son's assistant (Andrew Rannells) in MISS YOU, LOVE YOU. Fumbling through grief, resentment, secrets, and deep-seated hurts while planning a funeral, this unlikely pair discovers how their forced connection can lead to real healing.
Is It Any Good?
Exposing human suffering with a fresh perspective and sharp wit, Miss You, Love You dares to rip off the proverbial trauma Band-Aid with an unexpected cathartic release. The masterful performances from Janney and Rannells bring an authentic voice to navigating grief, trauma, and difficult family situations. Their emotionally charged relationship brings ugly truths about ourselves to the forefront with honesty, anguish, and unexpected laughter. Balancing dark humor with emotional heaviness, the film perfectly expresses what broken hearts feel like—painfully reminding viewers that suffering is profoundly human, but that healing is too.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what messages the filmmakers were trying to convey in this film. How are grief, resentment, healing, and love presented? Do they feel realistic, or exaggerated? What lessons could be applied to real-life family relationships?
What emotions do the filmmakers want the audience to feel when watching Diane and Jamie interact? What qualities make a character sympathetic? How did the actors' performances influence your feelings toward them? Did you find yourself choosing a side in the family conflict?
Why did the filmmakers choose to insert dark humor into the film? Do you think that using laughter and humor to cope with sadness are realistic coping strategies? What healthy or unhealthy coping mechanisms did the characters portray?
What character strengths did the main characters display?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : May 29, 2026
- Cast : Allison Janney , Andrew Rannells
- Director : Jim Rash
- Inclusion Information : Gay Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s) , Gay Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : HBO
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Faith ( Christianity ) , Family Stories ( Moms ) , Friendship
- Character Strengths : Communication , Compassion , Empathy , Perseverance
- Run time : 98 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : June 7, 2026
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