I don't know why this movie has such a low rating on IMBD. Oliver's Story is a beautiful, uplifting tale about coping with unimaginable loss. Its not Love Story nor should one expect it to be.
The story begins with Oliver (Ryan O'Neal) at Jenny's funeral, insisting on staying until the casket is lowered into the ground. It then moves ahead 18 months as Jenny's father encourages Oliver to move on with his life. At first glance it seems odd that Oliver's father in law would take him to a singles bar to try and force him to date again. However, it's through Phil we can almost envision Jenny trying to get Oliver to move on with his life.
Later on, Oliver meets a beautiful department store executive (Candice Bergen) at the same place in Central Park where he and Jenny used to go ice skating. He's carrying his skates and is crestfallen when he finds the rink drained so early in the year. At the same moment, Marcie Nash (Bergen) jogs by, giggling at him.. Again, its as if we can feel Jenny making an intervention to push a devastated Oliver into living his life again.
Much has been made by other reviewers about money and social status of the 2 love interests but thats hardly the point. Its the death of Jenny and learning how to cope that ultimately opens Oliver up to accepting who he is and making peace with it. The most touching scene in the movie isn't between Oliver and Marcie at all but when he reconciles with his father (excellently portrayed by Ray Milland).
Strong performances all around, very life affirming. Sorry it was so misunderstood at the time of its release, worth seeing during a pandemic, a miserable political climate and overall gloom and doom in the world.
