In Memoriam (dir. Rob Burnett)

By: Adam Freed

There is no right way to cope with a terminal diagnosis.  For Langston Stanfield, an actor whose gifts supercede the fame he achieved on a middling, albeit popular sitcom, the discovery of an advancing tumor in his small intestine spiral the already narcissistic performer into one final attempt at posthumous self-aggrandizement, a slot in the Oscar’s “In Memoriam” segment.  While the premise of the Rob Burnett (The Fundamentals of Caring) written and directed dramatic comedy may appear shallow, the film is powerfully executed and features a multitude of memorable performances.  Stanfield is captured by Marc Maron (Stick, The Order), a comedian who blesses his character with Maron’s naturally prickly lovable nature and keen sense of comedic timing.  While there is nothing funny about a terminal illness, In Memoriam weaponizes Maron’s layered and complex performance to unearth countless windows to insert a therapeutic punchline.

While Marc Maron headlines In Memoriam, his is but one of many standout performances that litter Rob Burnett’s memorable film.  Shortly after his diagnosis, Stanfield is recommended to meet with Samatha, a psychologist who specializes in terminal patients.  Samantha is played with a gentle influence by Lily Gladstone (Killers of the Flower Moon) and becomes the sounding board that Langston desperately needs after a lifetime of selfish and isolating choices.  Strong supporting performances from Justin Long (Weapons, Barbarian), Judy Greer (13 Going on 30, Ant-Man) and Sharon Stone (Casino, Basic Instinct) add to the gravity of Burnett’s film, but the true breakout unearthed within In Memoriam is that of Talia Ryder (West Side Story, Honey Don’t) who plays Maura, Stanfield’s estranged daughter from a former relationship.  Through his stage four diagnosis, Stanfield desperately seeks connection with his only child, one that he left behind while she was still in her mother’s womb.  As Maura, now an adult, seeks to navigate her own life, her willingness to allow a perfect stranger into her heart marks some of the most genuine and heartwrenching moments found in Burnett’s film.

While its pacing and tonal vacillation are imperfect at times, In Memoriam poses a number of very important thematic questions worthy of consideration.  What does it truly mean to leave behind an impactful legacy?  The exploration of this question is tackled from a multitude of angles, from the perspectives that Samantha shares in therapy sessions to the natural realizations that Stanfield unearths by spending time with his only child.  In Memoriam is a thoughtful, contemplative and ultimately successful dramatic comedy, one that everyone will likely gain, at the very least, some much needed perspective.  

Target Score 8/10 - Marc Maron leads In Memoriam, a dramatic comedy about a narcissistic actor faced with the realities of a terminal diagnosis.  Offering a handful of compelling performances and a much needed dose of perspective, Rob Burnett has crafted a story that feels both universal and significant. 

In Memoriam was reviewed as part of Movie Archer's coverage of the 2026 Tribeca Film Festival.