I had no idea this was being made into a movie. I first read this book when a generous reader sent me a copy in 2020. I enjoyed it immensely for how relatable it was in terms of dealing with loss, grief, and loneliness. It was about going on after everything you’ve loved has left and died, and you’re still here.

The movie, if the trailer is anything to go by, will clearly deviate from the book. Most notably, there are virtually no scenes in the book that involve more than seven people in the moment at once. The trailer clearly shows groups and gatherings of much more than that. However, I understand that you have to tweak out the source material if youre gonna put meat in the seats at the Odeon.

I am curious how Brolin does conveying Bangley’s taciturn lethality, and how Pops, the other lethal old timer, will be represented. Clearly theres already been a cast change since Jasper, the dog, was a beagle in the book and in the trailer appears to be a Malinois or similar.

Also, its directed by one of my three favorite directors, Ridley Scott. (Michael Mann and Luc Besson  being my other faves.) Scott has had some stinkers in his career, but when he succeeds, he succeeds in a big way. I’m willing to see a movie of his even if I’m not sure I’m interested in the story.

Still, I’ll go see this and hope it doesn’t colour my enjoyment of the original material.