In Marvin’s Room (1996), Leonardo DiCaprio plays Hank, a troubled young man grappling with family tensions and the looming presence of illness. Directed by Jerry Zaks, the movie isn’t traditional sci-fi, but its emotional exploration of medical advancements, illness, and family dynamics touches on speculative themes, especially as it confronts the complexities of the human experience in the face of inevitable decay.

DiCaprio’s portrayal of Hank is intense and emotionally charged, offering a nuanced depiction of a young man rebelling against a life shaped by illness. His interactions with his family, especially with his ailing mother, are filled with raw emotion. The film raises important questions about medical technology and its limitations, touching on the science fiction idea of how far humans are willing to go to fight illness and prolong life.

Though primarily a family drama, Marvin’s Room brushes against speculative fiction’s interest in medical advancements and ethical dilemmas. DiCaprio’s performance is both powerful and heartfelt, making this a touching exploration of life’s inevitable hardships and the role science can—or cannot—play in alleviating them.