On a rewatch, Grace’s anger issues are so fascinating. Besides the hints we get of his past, his frustration and almost arrogance that leads to him lashing out and facing what may be a huge line of consequences that had been building up over time. Losing job, perhaps his relationship around the same time, losing respect in his community.
It’s interesting to see since in the flashbacks Grace is a mix of mellowed out but still has that lingering frustration. He raises his voice the moment he gets back into discussing the details of his paper, he starts throwing things in the lab and storms out when he’s proven wrong again, but he instantly shrinks back in on himself once it’s over.
There’s like this desperation for validation and respect with this frustration. And he’s much calmer and trying to humble himself but it seems almost like he’s gone too far in the other direction? He almost punishes himself, he talks down on himself so much for being a coward in the book. It reminds me of when people are so hurt they insist they didn’t care to begin with and it would’ve never worked, but they care so much. He barely even recognizes he’s the second in command at that point. He’s so used to ignoring his own worth he doesn’t understand when people actually properly respect him and his work.
I think just having a friend like Rocky helps so much for his growth. Someone who lets him work and prosper in what he’s good at while not putting him on a pedestal or with these grand expectations that would make him turn around and insist he’s not worth it. They just connect and their differences work together so well. Rocky will call him a mess and an idiot but take care of him and acknowledge when he’s doing great, when he IS brave.
He’s so fascinating. It’s so interesting seeing wet cat of a man with all these issues that hold him back. He had to literally forget himself to do what he was always capable of without his fears and self doubt. Idk I’m rambling
