In Vietnam, after a death, monks are called to chant. The teaching is Vô thường (Impermanence)—"Let go." Davis, however, clings to the mess. He doesn't want to let go; he wants to understand the mess.

If you are an art film enthusiast, a fan of Jake Gyllenhaal, or someone currently navigating a confusing period of grief, Demolition is a cathartic experience. It teaches us that sometimes, you have to tear everything down to figure out who you are.

When you watch Demolition with a good Vietsub, look for the scene at the dinner table. The father-in-law says, "You’re a weird guy, Davis, but you might be the most honest person I know." The Vietnamese translation for "weird guy" is critical. If it says "kỳ quặc," it’s negative. If it says "khác người" (different from the norm), it carries a positive, almost respectful tone. Absolutely.

This fixation leads him to write a complaint letter to a vending machine company. When a customer service representative, (Naomi Watts), reads his bizarre, confessional letters, an unlikely friendship forms.