To the naked eye, the only similarity that these two films appear to have is the casting of Jake Gyllenhaal however the films have surprisingly similar concepts, they both focus on Gyllenhaal’s character dealing with the loss of their wives. This does not, however, mean that they feel the same.
Demolition is the story of a successful businessman Davies who starts to deconstruct his life after the loss of his wife. Whereas, in Southpaw Gyllenhaal plays Billy, a professional boxer, who is trying to get the right to see his son back after his wife dies. Obviously, the two characters in these films are completely different, with this shaping the atmosphere and tone of each film.
I love how they each take different aspects of the subject and make these aspects into two magnificent films that despite the initial similarities are completely different film experiences. To me what makes Demolition great is the relationship between Davies and his new girlfriend’s son Chris, with it both adding humour and compassion to the film. In contrast Southpaw centres on the journey of the main character in isolation.
Both films are completely worth the watch, however, Demolition edges Southpaw out of the water by being so remarkable I watched it about five times in a week.
Words and Dragons 
