"Raymond and Ray."

The Alfonso Cuaron-produced, Apple TV+ movie, written and directed by Rodrigo Garcia, starring Ewan McGregor and Ethan Hawke, just premiered.

Two days ago I wrote about the dangers of trailers and forgot to add that they are especially odious for movies. Less than 48 hours after writing that, I was sitting in bed about to hunt down a TV series when the trailer for “Raymond and Ray” came on and I, as I often do, disregarded my own advice and watched it.

But then — BUT THEN — I was struck by a notion that needed answering: Could the movie really be as simple and straightforward as it appeared? This was particularly appealing because I’m working on that previously aforementioned batshit crazy TV series (that I’m now overwhelmed with) and a story going in a straight line looked pretty appealing in the moment.

Even a movie that, at first glance (hello, trailer!) seemed to be about two sons getting the news that their awful father was dead and one of his last requests was that his grave be dug by whichever sons show up at the funeral. That’s pretty linear, even though I could see the presence of some “relationship trouble” mixed in, kinda-sorta provocatively.

At that point — is that all there is? — had hooked me. The movie’s running time was 1:45. I was up for that.

Ewan McGregor and Ethan Hawke have some dad issues.