Michael Shannon’s directorial debut, Eric LaRue, may not conform to the classic ghost story, yet it possesses an unsettling atmosphere akin to one.
Though Eric (Nation Sage Henrikson) is mostly off-screen, his essence remains like a haunting presence. His mother, Janice (Judy Greer), is tormented as she silently prepares his clothes for donation. His father, Ron (Alexander Skarsgård), is troubled by memories of joyful days spent with his son. However, Eric is not deceased—he is incarcerated, serving time for the slaying of three classmates.
Eric LaRue does not center on the act of violence itself. Rather, Shannon and screenwriter Brett Neveu—who is adapting his own stage play—concentrate on the emotional devastation that remains. The film is an unfiltered, contemplative examination of sorrow, culpability, and belief, bolstered by a career-defining portrayal from Judy Greer.
Two Paths Through Grief, Both Rooted in Faith
In the wake of the shooting, Janice and Ron seek comfort in markedly different ways. Janice retreats from life, yet under the careful mentorship of her Presbyterian pastor Calhan (Paul Sparks), she begins to reconnect with the world—returning to her job and contemplating new directions. In contrast, Ron finds solace at a different church, Redeemer, where he is welcomed by the charismatic Pastor Verne (Tracy Letts) and joins prayer groups alongside his upbeat coworker Lisa Graff (Alison Pill).
Ron’s newfound belief fills him with optimism. He is convinced that prayer can mend all wounds and encourages Janice to relinquish her anguish to Jesus. Nevertheless, Janice isn’t prepared to release her pain. Her sorrow is complex—not only has she lost the son she cherished, but she’s also wrestling with the horror of his actions. Is she entitled to mourn him? Or is she somehow culpable?
Encouraged by Calhan, Janice consents to meet with the mothers of Eric’s victims. Although Calhan means well, he is ill-equipped for the emotional turmoil that ensues. The meeting is raw and agonizing, exacerbating the rift between Janice and Ron. He wishes for her to attend a similar gathering led by Verne, whose style is considerably more authoritarian. In one unsettling scene, Verne invokes scripture to imply that Ron should dominate his wife. Shannon emphasizes the widening gap between the couple with striking visual techniques, often positioning them in different rooms within the same shot.
Judy Greer Shines in a Rare Leading Role
Renowned for her comedic talent and frequent supporting parts, Judy Greer delivers a formidable performance in Eric LaRue. As Janice, she embodies vulnerability, strength, and poignant humanity. Her interactions with the other mourning mothers are profoundly impactful, and her eventual meeting with Eric showcases a masterful display of controlled intensity.
Skarsgård infuses Ron with a disquieting allure, as his spiritual optimism conceals deeper denial. Pill is equally gripping, transforming Lisa’s fervent faith into something off-putting. Their chemistry is infused with tension and mutual delusion. Letts and Sparks complete the cast as two diverging spiritual mentors—one imposing and unsettling, the other empathetic yet overwhelmed.
Although originally penned in 2002, Eric LaRue feels increasingly relevant today. Its portrayal of a community wrestling with the repercussions of a school shooting resonates in our current reality, where such incidents occur far too frequently. The film does not engage in political analysis but reflects on the empty solace of “thoughts and prayers” that often follow acts of gun violence.
Rather than providing simple solutions, Shannon and Neveu deliver a deeply personal narrative about two parents grappling with unfathomable loss. Featuring an outstanding cast led by Greer’s unforgettable performance, Eric LaRue is a haunting, intimate depiction of grief, faith, and the quest for meaning in the aftermath of calamity.
Eric LaRue hits theaters on April 4.
UPDATE: Apr. 2, 2025, 3:40 p.m. — Eric LaRue made its debut at the Tribeca Film Festival. This review was first published on June 14, 2023, and has been revised in anticipation of its theatrical release.