Verdict
Summary
Go On is a poignant film about how one man processes grief with the help of others he meets in purgatory. It approaches the subject of death with thoughtfulness, compassion, and well-timed humor.
Plot: After his death, Jim finds himself stuck in a timeless purgatory. Other souls pass through briefly, but one man—Zac—lingers longer than the rest. As their friendship deepens, they help each other confront unresolved grief and uncover what is keeping them from moving on.
Review: I have followed Landon Ashworth on Instagram for some time, so I was aware of his journey to make a feature film independently after facing limited interest from the Hollywood mainstream. He leveraged his social media success—especially his “Texas Tot” skits and golf videos—to help finance the project, and he has appeared in a number of TV roles. Ashworth also has an unusually accomplished background: he was diagnosed with autism at an early age, is a member of Mensa, holds a PhD in astrophysics, and is an accomplished musician who has toured as a drummer for Gavin DeGraw.
Go On was written as a tribute to Ashworth’s nephew, Landon, who tragically died by suicide as a teenager. The film is dedicated to his memory.
The film begins a bit slowly as we get to know Jim. He is alone in a mountain forest, keeping to a routine that includes building a cabin, taking cold-water baths, and—hilariously—trying to befriend a distant turkey. Gradually, we meet the visitors who pass through his purgatory, and each encounter helps Jim process another part of his grief.
The pace picks up with each visitor. I found myself pulled in by the central mystery: Why is Jim here? What happened to him? What exactly is this place? The answers unfold in a beautiful way, and the film guides the viewer toward them with a steady, satisfying build.
The music complements the story. Rather than overwhelming the scenes (as can happen in serious films), it supports the emotion of each moment without drawing attention to itself.
The setting provides a majestic, peaceful backdrop—mountain vistas, glowing sunsets, and rushing streams. It amplifies Jim’s solitude and reinforces the film’s reflective tone.
Go On tackles many dimensions of death—agony, despair, and even humor—without feeling cynical or exploitative. For anyone who has experienced loss and grief, it is a must-see. Keep tissues handy; you will likely need them.