The Death & Life of John F. Donovan is a drama film directed by Xavier Dolan. The movie stars Kit Harington as John F. Donovan, a famous Hollywood actor who struck up a friendship with an 11-year-old boy named Rupert (played by Jacob Tremblay) who dreams of becoming an actor himself.
The film takes place ten years after Donovan's death, and focuses on the impact that his secret correspondence with Rupert had on his life and career. When the letters are discovered, they are leaked to the media, and assumptions are made about Donovan's relationship with the young boy that destroy his reputation and cause him to lose everything he has worked for.
Throughout the movie, Donovan's mother (Susan Sarandon) reflects on her son's life and experiences, weaving together a narrative that explores the highs and lows of his career. Meanwhile, Rupert, who is now a successful actor himself, reflects on the mentorship he received from Donovan and how it shaped his own life and career.
The Death & Life of John F. Donovan is a complex exploration of the Hollywood that loves and hates its stars in equal measure, and the lasting impact that our closest relationships can have on our lives.
