Collateral Beauty

Collateral Beauty is a 2016 American fantasy drama film directed by David Frankel and written by Allan Loeb. The film stars an ensemble cast of Will Smith, Edward Norton, Keira Knightley, Michael Peña, Naomie Harris, Jacob Latimore, Kate Winslet and Helen Mirren.

The story follows Howard Inlet, a successful New York advertising executive who suffers a great tragedy, and retreats from life where he seeks answers from the universe by writing letters to Love, Time, and Death. Receiving unexpected personal responses, he begins to see how these things interlock and how even loss can reveal moments of meaning and beauty.

Collateral Beauty premiered at the Dubai International Film Festival on December 13, 2016, and was released in the United States on December 16, 2016. It was panned by critics, but grossed $88 million worldwide against its net $36 million budget.

Plot

Successful advertising executive Howard Inlet makes a speech in his office to cheer on all his employees. He says that in order to go through the day with enthusiasm, they should always remember three important concepts in life, namely "Love", "Time", and "Death", but in fact, three years later, Howard's spirit fades and he becomes clinically depressed after his young daughter's death. He becomes a loner, rarely sleeping or eating, and at the office, building domino chains and structures.

Howard's estranged friends and business partners Whit Yardsham, Claire Wilson, and Simon Scott fear for Howard's health and their company's future. His behavior has cost them numerous high-profile clients and left them on the verge of bankruptcy. As the majority shareholder, Howard blocks their efforts to sell the company.