Stages of Grief

Stage: Denial
Event: Hears same radio announcement, looks out his hotel room window and sees same car turning the corner, is in disbelief.
Explanation: At first Phil thinks the radio station is just playing the wrong audio, however that changes when he looks out his window and sees exactly what he saw yesterday. Doesn't believe it until the day turns out exactly the same as the day before.

Stage: Anger
Event: Punching Ned

Ned greeting Phil

Explanation: During his reliving of Groundhog Day Phil meets up with an "old friend" named Ned. Very quickly we learn Ned is energetic yet annoying and tries to talk to Phil about everything in his life. Phil escapes this encounter by scurrying off but not before stepping into a muck-filled pothole. As the day keeps happening over and over Phil tries different ways to avoid Ned. However, one day before they even get a chance to talk, Phil socks him in the face, not wanting to go through the process again, and clearly showing his anger about his current state.

Stage: Bargaining
Event: Phil stealing the money
Explanation: According to psychcentral.com bargaining is " the reaction to helplessness and vulnerability is a need to regain control." At this point, Phil understands the day is repeating itself and knows every little detail that happens in the town and uses this to his advantage. He sees a money delivery being interrupted by a waitress from the local diner. Phil times it just right where nobody is paying attention, and he avoids getting struck by a car to walk over and take the money. We later see he used this money to rent a limo, and buy a cowboy outfit to go see a movie. Phil wanted to take back some control in his life when he stole the money, so he could feel happy again and forget about the helpless state he's in.

Stage: Depression
Event: Attempting to commit suicide

One of the many ways Phil tries to kill himself.

Explanation: Sick of reliving the same day and finding no other way to escape this nightmare, Phil tries to kill himself. The only problem is he wakes up the next day just like every other day before that. He tries multiple different ways ranging from driving off a cliff to jumping off a building, but none of these work as he still wakes up exactly the same. Phil is so depressed because he sees no end to this cycle and wants to move on, but there just isn't a possible way.




Stage: Acceptance
Event: Being nice to Larry, and Rita
Explanation: After his failed attempts to end his life, Phil realizes that he might as well change his ways if he's going to be stuck here forever. Before this whole thing, Phil was a jerk to almost everybody and he only cared about himself. However, after an emotional talk with Rita he comes to the conclusion that he isn't a nice guy. As a result he starts treating others around town with more respect. For instance, he brings Larry and Rita coffee and donuts before the shoot, he builds an ice sculpture, changes an old lady's tire and even plays the piano at a community party. Phil realizes that even though he may never leave this day in time, he is making others feel appreciated and enjoying the effort he puts in. This causes Rita to change her feelings towards Phil and they end up spending the night together. Much to Phil's enjoyment, when the clock strikes 6:00 am, she is right there beside him.

The curse is over