Fans of the Best Man franchise were shocked and devastated to learn that Mia Sullivan, played by Monica Calhoun, dies at the end of The Best Man Holiday. The character's death has been a topic of discussion and debate among viewers, with some considering it a mistake that made the film unrewatchable. However, writer and director Malcolm D. Lee stood by his decision, explaining that he wanted to tell a story that evoked strong emotions from Black audiences and that Mia's death was integral to the plot.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Name of movie | The Best Man Holiday |
Year of release | 2013 |
Genre | Comedy-drama |
Director | Malcolm D. Lee |
Writer | Malcolm D. Lee |
Mia's full name | Mia Sullivan |
Mia's portrayer | Monica Calhoun |
Cause of death | Cancer |
What You'll Learn
Mia's death in 'The Best Man Holiday' was due to cancer
Mia's death in "The Best Man Holiday" was due to cancer. In the film, Mia Sullivan, played by Monica Calhoun, is diagnosed with terminal cancer. This serves as a pivotal moment in the story, as it brings the characters together and allows them to confront their emotions and grief.
Mia's illness is first revealed when Harper finds her vomiting blood. She confides in Harper about her diagnosis and asks him to help her husband, Lance, accept her condition. Despite her illness, Mia remains strong and continues to bring her friends together. She is seen collapsing while trying to hang a Christmas ornament, which forces Harper to tell the rest of the group about her cancer.
Mia's death deeply affects the characters, especially her husband, Lance. In the film, Lance struggles to come to terms with Mia's illness and is angry at Harper for writing an unauthorized biography about him. However, Mia challenges Lance to face reality, and the two are able to reconcile before she passes away.
Mia's death occurs on Christmas Day, adding to the emotional impact of the scene. The friends rush home from Lance's football game to be by her side, but they arrive too late. Mia's death leaves a lasting impact on the characters, and her memory continues to affect their lives even ten months later.
The decision to include Mia's cancer storyline in "The Best Man Holiday" was made by writer and director Malcolm D. Lee. Lee explained that he wanted to tell a story that would evoke strong emotions from Black audiences, and he felt that Mia's cancer journey was the most meaningful way to do so.
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Mia's death was intended to allow Black audiences to emote
In the 2013 film "The Best Man Holiday", Mia, played by Monica Calhoun, dies at the end. The writer and director of the film, Malcolm D. Lee, has revealed that he chose for Mia to be the one to die because he wanted to tell a story that allowed Black audiences to emote.
Lee explains that he wanted to tell a story where "Black folks got to emote at the movie theater", as they don't often get the chance to do so. He felt that Mia's death was the most meaningful way to achieve this, as it would hurt the audience the most. Lee's decision to focus on Black audiences' emotions is supported by one viewer's comment that Mia's death "was an important part of the movie and it changed the trajectory of everybody's life".
Lee's choice to kill off Mia was influenced by his and Calhoun's personal experiences with cancer. Both Lee and Calhoun have been affected by cancer in their families, with Lee stating that "We've both been affected by cancer, her mom and her dad". This shared experience likely contributed to Lee's decision to make Mia's death a central part of the film's narrative.
While some fans of the franchise were devastated by Mia's death and have not forgiven Lee for it, others have recognised the impact it had on the story and the characters' development. One viewer commented that Mia's death "inspired them [the characters] to try to be better people", while another acknowledged that "her death makes it feel like a void, which is what death truly does in real life".
Despite the mixed reactions, Lee stands by his decision to include Mia's death in the film, recognising that it took audiences on a grief journey and allowed them to process the loss of a beloved character.
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Mia's death was criticised for making the film un-rewatchable
Mia's death in The Best Man Holiday has been criticised for making the film unwatchable. The character, played by Monica Calhoun, dies at the end of the 2013 Christmas-themed romantic comedy.
The film's writer and director, Malcolm D. Lee, has said he knew some viewers would not forgive him for the tragic turn in the script. Lee stands by his decision, however, saying he wanted to tell a story that would allow Black audiences to emote in the movie theatre. "We don't get a chance to do that very often," he said. Lee also revealed that he and his wife had both lost people to cancer.
Some viewers have agreed with Lee's decision, saying that Mia's death had a huge impact on the characters and inspired them to be better people. However, others have said that Mia's death at the end of a Christmas movie was a mistake. One viewer said: "Christmas/Holiday movies are supposed to be rewatchable... something you want to break out and watch with the family every year." Another said they were indifferent about Mia's character, but that the Christmas setting made the film feel less rewatchable.
Mia's death also disappointed some fans because of the drama her character had already endured due to her husband Lance's infidelity. One fan said: "All the drama Mia went through with Lance and his wandering penis, just to die young and have him go right back to [sleeping with] everything because of his 'grief.' Wasn't his character arc supposed to be about monogamy?"
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Mia's death brought the group of friends closer together
Mia's death in *The Best Man Holiday* brought the group of friends closer together. The film sees a group of college friends reunite after 15 years, and the celebration takes a turn when Mia, played by Monica Calhoun, reveals she is dying of cancer. The gang spends time with Mia, and her death inspires them to try to be better people and to appreciate what is truly important in life.
Mia's death affects everyone, and they all come together to support each other. Harper, played by Taye Diggs, delivers a heartfelt eulogy at the memorial service, and Lance, played by Morris Chestnut, later thanks Harper and affirms his faith in God. The experience helps Harper and Lance move on from their past tribulations and become friends once again.
Mia's death also has a profound impact on Lance, who struggles to cope with the loss of his wife. In the aftermath of her passing, he grieves and tries to figure out his next steps, eventually deciding to return to football. Mia's death also brings Lance and Harper closer together, as they reconcile and move past their longtime feud.
Mia's passing leaves a void in the group, and her absence is felt throughout the film's sequel, *The Best Man: The Final Chapters*. However, her death also inspires the friends to try to be better people and to appreciate the importance of their friendship and loved ones.
Mia's death serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the value of friendship and love. It brings the group of friends closer together, as they lean on each other for support and work to overcome their differences. Despite the sadness of Mia's passing, the film ultimately celebrates the power of friendship and the resilience of the human spirit.
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Mia's death inspired Lance to play football again
Mia's death in *The Best Man Holiday* was a pivotal moment in the film, and it had a profound impact on her husband, Lance. In the film's sequel, *The Best Man: The Final Chapters*, Lance is still grieving his wife's passing. Despite his initial reluctance to move on, Mia's death ultimately inspires him to return to football and find solace in the sport.
In the film, Mia, played by Monica Calhoun, is diagnosed with terminal cancer. She confides in Harper Stewart (Taye Diggs), who agrees to keep her condition a secret from the rest of their friends. However, as Mia's health deteriorates, Harper is forced to reveal her diagnosis to the group. Mia's illness and eventual death serve as a catalyst for the characters to confront their past issues and try to become better people.
Lance, in particular, struggles to come to terms with Mia's passing. In the aftermath of her death, he finds himself at a crossroads, unsure of his next steps. He tries his hand at sports analysis but ultimately decides to return to the football field, finding comfort and purpose in the sport that once defined his career.
Mia's death also inspires Lance to repair his strained relationship with Harper. The two had a falling out due to Harper's past involvement with Mia, but in the wake of her death, they are able to reconcile and become close friends again.
Lance's decision to return to football is a testament to Mia's lasting influence on his life. Her death serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of pursuing one's passions. By returning to the sport, Lance finds a sense of purpose and a way to honour Mia's memory.
While Mia's death left a void in the lives of those who loved her, it also served as a catalyst for growth and transformation. Lance's journey, from grief-stricken widower to a man finding solace in football once again, is a powerful testament to the healing power of time and the enduring strength of the human spirit.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Mia dies at the end of the film.
Mia dies from cancer.
Monica Calhoun plays the role of Mia Sullivan in the film.
"Best Man Holiday" is a comedy-drama film that follows a group of college friends who reunite after 15 years and discover how easy it is for old rivalries and romances to resurface.