As the narrative unfolds, Howard Inlet (Will Smith), a successful advertising executive, copes with the tragic loss of his young daughter by writing letters to abstract concepts like Love, Time, and Death. His colleagues, played by Edward Norton, Kate Winslet, and Michael Peña, hire actors to portray these entities in an attempt to help Howard confront his grief.
In the climax, Howard discovers the truth about the actors and confronts his friends for manipulating him. The emotional weight of this revelation forces the characters to reevaluate their own lives and choices.
In the resolution, the film takes a poignant turn as Howard begins to find healing and closure. The themes of love, time, and death take on deeper meanings, and the characters experience personal growth. Howard reconnects with his estranged wife, played by Naomie Harris, and they find solace in the memories of their daughter.
The movie concludes with a sense of hope and redemption, emphasizing the transformative power of love and the importance of human connection. The ending reflects the film’s exploration of profound themes and the impact of loss on the human experience.
“Collateral Beauty” received mixed reviews from critics, with praise for the performances but criticism for its handling of heavy themes. The film aims to explore deep emotional territory and the complexity of grief, but reactions to its approach have been varied.