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Ross McElwee Returns with Grief-Driven “Remake” Documentary

7/26/2026

31 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Ross McElwee (director) releases “Remake,” his first feature in 15 years.
The film weaves footage from earlier documentaries, including the 2011 “Photographic Memory.”
It confronts McElwee’s grief over his son Adrian’s 2016 overdose and uses Adrian’s own drug-use recordings.
Critics say the film’s diary style blurs the line between art and lived experience.
Poet Charleen Swansea rebukes McElwee for hiding behind the camera while matchmaking.

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Story summary

Ross McElwee (director) releases “Remake,” his first feature in 15 years.
The film weaves footage from earlier documentaries, including the 2011 “Photographic Memory.”
It confronts McElwee’s grief over his son Adrian’s 2016 overdose and uses Adrian’s own drug-use recordings.
Critics say the film’s diary style blurs the line between art and lived experience.
Poet Charleen Swansea rebukes McElwee for hiding behind the camera while matchmaking.