The Criterion Collection is preparing to re-release Mike Mills' 2010 dramedy Beginners as part of a special trilogy collection. The film stars Ewan McGregor and the late Christopher Plummer, who won an Academy Award for his role in the production.
The "I'll Remind You Of Everything" trilogy expansion
The Criterion Collection is re-introducing Beginners as a central piece of what is described as the "I'll Remind You Of Everything" trilogy. this informal collection aims to group Mike Mills' most emotionally resonant works together for cinephiles seeking a cohesive viewing experience. According to the report, the trilogy includes:
- Beginners (2010)
- 20th Century Women
- C'mon C'mon
This grouping highlights Mills' ability to craft "emotional-first storytelling," where the atmosphere and character depth are as vital as the plot itself. By placing these films together, the collection underscores a specific era of Mills' career defined by vulnerable, low-key narratives.
Christopher Plummer’s Academy Award-winning turn as Hal
The re-release provides a fresh opportunity to appreciate the performance that earned Christopher Plummer the Best Supporting Actor award at the 84th Academy Awards. Playing the character Hal, Plummer navigates a complex journey of coming out later in life while maintaining a "cheerful demeanor" that balances the film's more somber elements.
The report notes that his portrayal provides a vital emotional anchor for Ewan McGregor’s character, Oliver, a graphic designer who struggles to form lasting relationships due to the emotional divide he witnessed between his parents. Plummer's ability to balance charm with bittersweet reality is what elevates the film from a standard dramedy to a memorable character study.
Escaping the mumblecore tropes of the 2010 indie era
Beginners emerged during a period of independent cinema heavily influenced by the "mumblecore" movement—a style characterized by soft-spoken, low-budget narratives that occasionally struggled with authenticity.. While many films from that era leaned into self-aware or overly raw storytelling that could feel inauthentic , Mike Mills managed to maintain a "deeply human core."
The film avoids common genre pitfalls, such as the "manic pixie dream girl" archetype, through Mélanie Laurent's nuanced performance as Anna. Instead of a trope, Laurent provides a realistic sense of a character who is "emotionally bruised," ensuring the film remains grounded in human experience rather than cinematic cliché.
The missing release dates for the Mills trilogy
While the return of Beginners is confirmed, the report leaves several logistical questions unanswered for collectors. It remains unclear if the other two films in the "I'll Remind You Of Everything" trilogy—20th Century Women and C'mon C'mon—will be released as part of a single, unified box set or as individual Criterion editions. Furthermore, a specific release date for this new edition of Beginners has not yet been provided.
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