The premise of the film is simple yet powerful. All members of the Altman family are dealing with various personal issues, be it marital problems, sibling rivalry, or career setbacks. The shiva forces them to confront their issues and reevaluate their lives, leading to some surprising and heartfelt moments.
The family patriarch, Mort (played by William Fichtner), has left a video message asking his children to sit shiva, even though he and his wife were atheists, simply to fulfill his lifelong dream of having a big family reunion. This sets the stage for an emotionally charged, often hilarious, week-long event.
Jason Bateman plays Judd, the middle child of Mort and Hilary Altman (Jane Fonda), who is going through a tough time in his marriage. His wife, Quinn (Abigail Spencer), has been cheating on him with his boss, Wade (Dax Shepard). Judd’s return to his childhood home gives him a chance to reconnect with his family and possibly reconcile with his wife.
Tina Fey plays Wendy, Judd’s older sister, who is struggling with her own midlife crisis. She has a distant relationship with her husband, Barry (Aaron Lazar), and is still reeling from the death of her first love, Horry (Timothy Olyphant), who was brain-damaged in a car accident and now lives with his mother across the street.
Adam Driver plays the youngest sibling, Phillip, a free-spirited but immature playboy who is dating an older woman, Tracy (Connie Britton). Phillip’s constant antics and careless behavior cause tension with his older brother and sister, who feel he is not taking the week seriously.
Corey Stoll plays the eldest sibling, Paul, a former high school football star turned small-town businessman. His wife, Alice (Kathryn Hahn), is struggling with fertility issues, and the couple is considering adoption. Paul’s overbearing personality clashes with Judd and Wendy, leading to some hilarious and heated debates.
Jane Fonda steals the show as the Altman family matriarch, Hilary. A therapist and author of a bestselling book about sex, she is still trying to come to terms with her late husband’s infidelities and the effect they had on her children. She gives a standout performance, delivering several memorable one-liners and heartfelt monologues.
This Is Where I Leave You strikes a balance between comedy and drama, deftly handling the different character arcs and providing plenty of laughs and tears. Shawn Levy’s direction and Jonathan Tropper’s script keep the pace brisk and the tone light, making it an enjoyable movie experience.
In conclusion, This Is Where I Leave You is a heartwarming film that explores the complexities of family dynamics and the importance of forgiveness and acceptance. The talented cast delivers solid performances, and Shawn Levy’s direction makes the most of the source material. It’s worth checking out if you enjoy character-driven comedies with a touch of drama.