This unjust death of cinema broke the hearts of millions of viewers

Have you ever cried while watching a movie? Let’s say yes. But have you ever shed as many tears as you did watching Marley and Me, the doggy comedy starring Jennifer Aniston and Owen Wilson that broke the hearts of everyone who saw it?

We follow the newlyweds and John, a husband who wants to delay his wife Jenny’s desire to have their first child, chooses to “distract” her by giving her a Labrador puppy. It is through the eyes of this dog that we follow the evolution of the family, from the arrival of the child to professional choices and personal dramas. But Marley, ever faithful, will be there to overcome all these painful moments.

Except about 1:30 into the movie, the news breaks: Marley has a stomach problem from which she may never recover. Slowly his health is deteriorating and we are witnessing his agony. Obviously, saying goodbye to John and Jenny is heartbreaking, as is the symbolic burial of the animal in the garden.

But we, the public, signed up for a hilarious comedy with a dog that chews pillows and steals children’s toys, so as not to shed all the tears in our bodies over the death of this labrador we were so attached to and truly a part of. Family!

This ultimate tragedy clearly gives full meaning to the family’s love for the pet and vice versa, as well as the bonds we have been able to form with it. When she disappears, she’s been a traveling companion for over ten years, and so many memories disappear with her.

Of course, these types of “animal movies with tragic endings” are not new, as in 1942 Walt Disney also traumatized a generation with the death of Bambi’s mother and Fidel Vagabond, which has a similar storyline to Marley and Me. The difference is that it takes place in the American West.

Based on the novel by John Grogan, Marley and Me was a theatrical success (including 774,570 theatrical admissions). Building on his momentum, director David Frankel has teamed up with Owen Wilson again on his next film, Funny Birds, and years later will reunite with Jennifer Aniston for two episodes of The Morning Show, which just started its 3rd season on AppleTV+.

If you want to cry (a lot) with Jennifer Aniston and Owen Wilson, Marley and Me is currently available on Netflix.