That scene in Brand New Day where Peter is sitting with MJ and Ned laughing felt exactly like the nauseating grief of when someone or something reminds you of the happy person you used to be with the person you lost when you are still struggling with denial. The sick feeling of genuinely loving a moment while internally still thinking constantly about how you just want them here with you. It's a really profoundly sad scene that is acted incredibly well. Honestly, I felt so seen in Peter as someone who felt like a zombie and totally different version of myself after my friend passed away in high school. It's difficult to find art that portray grief for a best friend - I'm glad that BND didn't ignore the grief Peter felt for Ned because it was just as overwhelming and the movie makes you feel that reality.












