Dysfunctional
family at its finest. That is how I can describe this film in one sentence. In
the scorching heat, an estranged family comes together in a crisis, and the hot
temperatures are only a catalyst for the hot tempers of the family members. I was
captivated the whole time (even though the beginning was somewhat slow), as I
waited to see how the family descended into further and further chaos. Meryl
Streep deservedly received an Oscar nomination for her role as the family
matriarch, Violet. Her character was equal parts heartbreaking and irritating.
You feel sympathy for her, but at the same time you get the sense that she
created half of her problems herself. However, the scene where she bolts from
the car and runs through a field as her daughter chases her made me cry. The
hopelessness and desperation was so palpable.
As
I listened to the heated arguments on screen, I realized that if you removed
some of the more dramatic problems, I could see some of my own family
dysfunction. I come from a good family, but even the best family has drama, and
I think that’s what makes the film relatable. Personally, I related to Ivy the
most. (*Spoiler) Not in the fact that she fell in love with her cousin/brother
*shudder,* but how she is the quiet, responsible one amongst the very many
dominant personalities. I have found that I fill that role in my own family,
and I also find myself getting teased by my older female relatives about men
and finding a husband.
I
was surprised at the ending. I thought it would end happily for some reason,
but it was very depressing to watch as one by one Violet’s family leaves her. I
don’t think it will be a film I will watch again, but it was definitely worth
my time.
IMDb rating: 8/10
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