Paul Giamatti stars in “Eulogy,” this season’s most personal and intimate story: a tale of lost love and false memories that, through technology, are brought back to life, ultimately revealing the truth.
In a departure from previous episodes, this installment feels like a return to the series’ early days. To truly connect with this episode and its unique sensitivity, you need to unplug and take a deep breath, immersing yourself in a love story about a man who has distorted his own memories and now confronts the reality of the situation.
The Plot
Philip, a solitary man, receives a call informing him of a woman’s death. Initially, he doesn’t recall her, but he soon begins to piece together his memories with the help of an innovative device that reignites forgotten recollections through photographs, reactivating dormant areas of his memory. Gradually, the story unfolds, guided by an unlikely companion: the daughter of the woman he loved many years ago.
About the Episode
Paul Giamatti is undoubtedly the main draw of this episode, which doesn’t rely on flashy science fiction concepts or fantastical elements. Instead, “Eulogy” delves into the realm of memory and how technology allows us to revisit cherished or painful moments—experiences that are integral to our lives.
“Eulogy” takes us through Philip’s life and the three years he spent with his beloved. It’s an emotional and gentle journey, devoid of violence. The pacing is unhurried, with few narrative surprises, allowing the story to unfold in a deliberate, measured, and clean manner.
The episode features beautiful cinematography with an old film aesthetic, reminiscent of the pre-digital era. In fact, the entire episode seems to pay homage to photography, particularly the traditional process of developing photos from negatives. The episode mirrors this process: everything is initially hidden from view, and it’s only through the guide’s assistance that the “negative” is accessed, eventually taking shape on “paper” as a more tangible memory.
Don’t expect a barrage of special effects. While there are a few effects when the characters enter the photographs, this isn’t an episode that seeks to dazzle in that way; quite the opposite, in fact.
Rhythmically, it’s the strongest episode of the seventh season thus far. Prepare yourself for a poignant and beautiful trip down memory lane with Paul Giamatti.
Where to Watch “Eulogy”
