2015 * R * 1h 49m A poignant story of a dysfunctional family dealing with the loss of a wife/mother. Isabelle (Isabelle Huppert) is a war photographer. Not long after she decides to retire from her job, she dies in a car accident. Two years later her husband Gene (Gabriel Byrne), and her two sons Jonah and Conrad (Jesse Eisenberg and Devin Druid) still haven't come to terms with her passing. Jonah, a young professor returns home to sort through his mother's work to prepare for a major retrospective show. The story of their family and their quirks and idiosyncrasies is told through a series of flashbacks. This is a bit confusing at times, but the complexities make sense by the end of the film.
I enjoyed the nuanced pacing of the film and thought the writing and acting were superb. I especially enjoyed the way Jonah gave advice to his younger brother, even though he was the more troubled of the two. And the father, while trying act like a pillar of strength, was as vulnerable as his sons. While "Louder Than Bombs" is hard to watch at times, it's a rewarding journey of a family's struggle and resolution.
4 out of 5 stars
Currently streaming on Kanopy (free with your library card), Tubi, IMDB TV, Plex, and other services.
No comments:
Post a Comment