Intimate Reflection on a Life’s End in “Love Grandma”

“Love, Grandma,” is a deeply personal short film that captures the essence of Matt Spear’s experience with his grandmother in hospice care.

“This short is basically exactly how I remember the day going” said director/writer Matt Spear. “It was my first time around death this close,” emphasizing the profound impact of witnessing his grandmother’s final moments. He vividly recounts the surreal feeling of seeing her lifeless body juxtaposed against the world outside, seemingly oblivious to the tragedy within.

As the story progresses, Spear delves into the duality of the experience—moments of grief intertwined with the mundane aspects of life that persist. The hospice bed, once a focal point of the living room, disappears within an afternoon. “Suddenly it was as if nothing had happened. Her chair sat there like it had my whole childhood,” he muses, capturing the bizarre sensation of life moving forward despite the profound loss.

The production of “Love, Grandma” becomes an extension of Spear’s personal journey. Collaborating with a team of talented individuals, Spear sees his vision come to life on set. “Having an idea you’ve developed and have had close to you, especially such a personal one, and then to connect with friends and find yourself on set seeing that vision come to life and collaborating with other incredibly talented people to elevate that idea is incredibly rewarding,” he shares.

Making a movie is not an easy thing to do. Spear reflects on the difficulties of getting started and the search for the perfect location, an essential element in conveying the story’s emotional depth. “Location is such an important part in telling a story, and I’m glad we didn’t settle,” he remarks, underscoring the dedication to authenticity in the filmmaking process.

When asked about potential changes if given the chance to go back, Spear acknowledges the perpetual desire for more time in pre-production but expresses contentment with the final result. “I am really happy with what we were able to come up with and happy with the final result. I think it stays true to my experience which was really important to me going into it,” he reflects.

For aspiring filmmakers, Spear offers practical advice on entering the production space, advocating for aspiring individuals to connect with local production companies and express interest in production assisting. He emphasizes the value of being a Production Assistant (PA), a role that provides a gateway to the multifaceted world of filmmaking.

“Love, Grandma” invites audiences to reflect on the delicate balance between life and death, the surreal moments that linger, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of loss. To follow Matt Spear and discover more about his future projects, he encourages audiences to connect with him on Instagram @mspear33 or visit his website mattspear.me.

“Love, Grandma” is an official selection of the Utah International Film Festival and will be screening at Maven Cinemas in American Fork, UT.