When an alcoholic father attempts to make his way from Montana to Nebraska on foot in order to collect one million dollars from a sweepstakes prize, his son reluctantly agrees to drive him. Bruce Dern, Will Forte, June Squibb, and Bob Odenkirk star in this Alexander Payne directed film, shot entirely in black and white.
The film does start off at a very slow pace, which may cause interest to fade. The film picks itself up after Will Forte's character drives his father into a small town that he grew up in, reuniting with many familiar faces. From then on the film unfolds and you begin to see what a gem this truly is. Bruce Dern really elevates the movie with his performance. He is truly magnificent in the role. He is able to translate so much across the screen with simple looks. As motivations become clearer, you are able to really relate to Dern. A father who knows that he's towards the end of his life, but is too stubborn to put down the bottle, yet with enough good in his heart that makes you see that the ends truly justify the means. You can't help but think fondly of this character and Bruce's performance after leaving the theater. Will Forte is the voice of reason in the movie. He portrays a loving and understanding son. Forte and Dern worked very well off of each other. June Squibb plays Forte's mother and Dern's wife, and while she may not be as famous as these other actors she nearly steals the film. June is incredibly funny in this. She delivers her dialogue with the utmost sincerity and it is a pleasure to watch. Bob Odenkirk from Breaking Bad fame, plays Bruce Dern's oldest son. Odenkirk doesn't make the movie with his presence, but does what he needs to.
This small story about these people who willingly know there is only disappointment ahead and choose to march forward anyways really felt earnest. Seeing this family deal with the people of their hometown laugh at them behind their backs is so unlike anything else seen in cinema these days. That's the type of filmmaker that Alexander Payne is. He enjoys telling smaller, human stories, which I happen to be a fan of. There are no bombastic moments, no bullets flying, no car chases or explosions. Just a simple father son story shot in black and white featuring a great performance by Bruce Dern resulting in a film that happens to be quite charming.
3.8/5
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