August: Osage County-2013

Director John Wells

Starring Meryl Streep

Scott’s Review #32

Reviewed June 17, 2014

Grade: B+

Based on the play of the same name, August: Osage County (2013) is a family drama/dark comedy led by the incomparable Meryl Streep.

The family reunites after the patriarch disappears, and drama and sniping ensue quickly.

The stifling-hot Oklahoma setting works well and adds a smothering, suffocating feel to the film, much like many of the characters.

It’s a bleak, depressing film, and reminded me of Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf (1966), or A Streetcar Named Desire (1951) in tone.

This film has exceptional acting all around, especially Streep and Julia Roberts, as well as Chris Cooper and Margo Martindale.

It’s a raw, angry movie, and the intensity builds throughout.

Oscar Nominations: Best Actress-Meryl Streep, Best Supporting Actress-Julia Roberts