Alexander Payne is one of American cinema’s smartest and most original directors, but alas not one of its most prolific. We had to wait seven long years for his latest film after 2004’s beautifully charming and funny Sideways.
With The Descendants Payne doesn’t disappoint, serving up a movie that is sweet, funny, and touching.
Synopsis: Matt King’s wife goes in a coma after a boating accident and he’s suddenly in charge of their two precocious daughters. He is also the trustee of the King’s estate, which includes thousands of acres of pristine Hawaiian land that the estate is bound to lose if they don’t sell it within a few years. Among all this, news of his wife’s alleged indiscretions throw his life in even more turmoil.
Starting with About Schmidt, followed by Sideways and now with The Descendants, Payne seems to predilect showcasing and analyzing the range of emotions that the American male comes to experience when things in his life take an unexpected turn.
George Clooney truly gives his best performance to date, composed, profound and heartfelt, and should definitely work with Payne again in the future. Just as good is Shailene Woodley though, who plays his older daughter. Both actors are likely shoo-ins for this year’s Oscar race, with Clooney positioned as the front runner to win a Best Actor statuette (the possible spoiler could be Jean Dujardin).
The Bottom Line: do not miss this movie. The story is simple and well written, the acting is superb and the direction feels fresh and intimate. Another great movie from Mr. Payne.
Grade: 9
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