The movie Cocoon is one I really loved It evoked the same sense of introspection that must come with the inevitable sense of ending that all older folks must endure. There too is the wistful belief that some kind of technology may come along and save us from our demise. In this case friendly aliens arrive to spare the heroes from their impending doom. For others, they must play the hand they've been dealt. And with time there is the hope that our knowledge may improve our life spans. Right now we live with the benefit of the generations before who have made advances that have improved our own. We, in turn, may contribute to the knowledge base that extends the life of generations to come. And of course our actions may produce an opposite effect. The other thing about the movie that was particularly moving to me was the relationship between the Grandfather (Wilford Brimley) and his Grandson who was named David. Especially in light of the courageous action of the boy, I didn't believe I could leave him to behind even if the prize was some kind of eternal life. And now, I have my own "David" and I absolutely know that I could not leave him behind.
Effigies are used in grieving by providing a tangible representation of what has been lost, allowing a mourner to connect with who or what they've lost , which can help with the process of acceptance and emotional expression, particularly when the loss is sudden or traumatic; they can be used to focus grief and memories around a physical likeness, offering a sense of continued presence even in their absence