‘The Secret Art Of Human Flight’ Review – Raci And Rosenmeyer Manage To Soar In The Minute Details

The process of grief is, of course, a difficult and individualized process. It has also been a treasure trove for filmmakers. Not just because it is an innately human experience, but also because it can immediately relate us to the protagonist, who is suffering. Similar to supporting characters in these stories, it is almost not possible for us to judge people on how they grieve, and we let a lot of things go that we would usually call out as inappropriate and unhealthy. These unhealthy behaviors are on full display in H.P. Mendoza’s mostly charming, philosophical journey, The Secret Art of Human Flight.

Ben Grady (Grant Rosenmeyer) has just lost his wife, Sarah (Reina Hardesty), unexpectedly due to an allergic reaction while he was out of the home. Ben and Sarah we re also an artistic team, creating children’s books together. Ben, desperately seeking answers, after reacting in an almost catatonic way, turns to the internet. There he finds a supposed video of human flight (without the aid of a vehicle), which eventually leads him to “the dark web” and a self-help guru named Mealworm (Paul Raci). He, via a video, tells Ben that for the low price of almost six thousand dollars leaving the world behind is a possibility through flight. What follows is Ben’s journey through grief, mental health, and family.

The film truly soars, strangely, with feet planted in the ground as Ben and Mealworm slowly connect and get real with one another about their pasts and how they deal with life in the present. Both Rosenmeyer and Raci have a gift for heightened dialogue while staying true to the moment and their characters. Additionally, Ben’s solitary moments when speaking about his wife are appropriately heart-wrenching. At one point, he discusses a mechanical eraser of hers, and the script, penned by Jesse Orenshein, is able to connect this with something deeply real. She was able to turn her errors into art. This simple statement gives a deep sense of hope in a time in which Ben is floundering and lost. If Sarah could manage this in her art, why can’t we all find a way to both make mistakes and create and change for the better?

It is unfortunate that the film does not focus solely on these relationships. For some misguided reason, the script also introduces a possible murder/insurance fraud subplot that is both unneeded and distracting. Saddled with most of this is Rosa Arredondo, playing a detective who, for no discernible purpose, becomes immediately convinced that Ben is on an episode of Law and Order. This also distracts from the relationship with his sister, Gloria (Lucy DeVito), which is extra unfortunate, as those moments could be much more interesting. Gloria is one of the only surviving connections that Ben has, and the pain of letting him continue down a possibly destructive path is written plainly across her expressive face.

Despite these numerous relationships, perhaps the most powerful is with a neighbor, Wendy (Maggie Grace) who has survived losing a spouse. The sense of softness and understanding she offers is a moving testament to walking through trauma with those who understand. Despite the genders of Wendy and Ben, it is also pleasant that this relationship is devoid of sexual tension. These are simply two people, walking through pain, attempting to make sense of it all. Despite his chaotic behavior, she understands that it is perfectly fine to find something that distracts you, and fills you for the moment. You cannot bring them back, but you can slowly move forward. 

The Secret Art of Human Flight is by no means a perfect movie. But it is genuine, which is strange given the possible fraudulent behavior of a main character and the fact that it is about a human being trying to fly sans wings. There are numerous extraneous plots that are frustrating, but once it returns to earth with real human emotion, the film finds a deep connection with the audience. Raci, in particular, unsurprisingly finds ways to make us believe his pain, even through the glimmer in his kind eyes. For viewers who can move past budgetary issues and a bit of unneeded distraction, this film will leave you just a bit lighter and a lot more grateful for the time we have. 

The Secret Art of Human Flight will debut in select theaters on July 5, 2024, courtesy of Level 33 Entertainment.