The Descendants

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PC M I had not heard anyone talk about this film, I just put it on for something to watch, not expecting much. The acting was strong and well played, the direction was one of authenticity, showing the reality of parental loss and impact it has without hamming it up for the tears. It resonated with me having been in a very similar situation in my early 40s. I found the storyline and the characters believable and engaging. If you like a story that's not overdramatised with excellent acting, then give it a watch. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 10/08/25 Full Review James B I really enjoyed this movie. It was truly a rollercoaster of emotions as one minute you are thinking about the characters going through the inevidatble death of a loved one to the next moment laughing at the characters interactions with others. It was entertaining throughout and was a great movie. Rated 4.5/5 Stars •  Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 09/15/25 Full Review TheMovieSearch R Going into The Descendants, it’s easy to understand why some might expect a comedy, but the film itself tells a very different story. What unfolds is a bittersweet, deeply emotional family drama that only occasionally sprinkles in humor to lighten the weight of its themes. Rather than leaning into broad laughs, the movie embraces a quieter, more reflective tone, exploring grief, betrayal, and unexpected healing with remarkable honesty. George Clooney delivers one of the most nuanced performances of his career as Matt King, a husband and father grappling with the immeasurable weight of his wife’s coma after a tragic accident. His internal turmoil intensifies when he learns she had been unfaithful, forcing him to process anger and heartbreak while still trying to hold his fractured family together. Clooney captures all of this with a raw vulnerability that feels grounded and profoundly human, creating a character who is both deeply flawed and deeply sympathetic. Shailene Woodley, as his daughter Alexandra, makes a lasting impression in one of her earliest breakout roles. She embodies the complicated emotional territory of a teenager mourning her mother while harboring resentment over the betrayal her father has just discovered. Woodley finds a perfect balance between rebellion, grief, and reluctant maturity, bringing a sharp emotional intelligence to the role. Her scenes with Clooney carry some of the film’s strongest dramatic weight. Matthew Lillard’s appearance is brief but impactful, offering him a rare chance to step into a more serious role than audiences might expect from the actor known for Scream and Scooby-Doo. His portrayal adds a layer of painful truth to the story’s central conflict, and his scenes with Clooney land with surprising intensity. Judy Greer, typically known for her warm comedic presence, also brings unexpected depth. Though her screen time is limited, she delivers a quiet, affecting performance that lingers. The script, adapted from Kaui Hart Hemmings’ novel, is tightly structured and emotionally rich, always keeping the focus on character dynamics rather than plot detours. Director Alexander Payne handles the material with a deft touch, weaving moments of levity into a narrative steeped in sorrow without ever undermining the emotional stakes. Nick Krause, as Sid, offers the bulk of the comic relief. His character’s obliviousness teeters on the edge of absurdity, yet his presence gives the film room to breathe, preventing the story from becoming overwhelming. The Descendants ultimately succeeds as a powerful and deeply felt family drama, one that isn’t afraid to explore the complicated intersections of grief, forgiveness, and the messy reality of human relationships. While it may not be a film most viewers will revisit often due to its emotional weight, its performances and sincerity make it well worth watching at least once. For anyone who appreciates character-driven stories grounded in real emotion, this film stands as a moving and beautifully crafted experience. Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 11/27/25 Full Review Richard M No comedy as RT says A family drama and tear jerker Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 06/10/25 Full Review Jordan O Incredibly real and heartfelt. George Clooney and Shailene Woodley’s performance is incredible and the father daughter dynamic feels original. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 04/29/25 Full Review Stephen L The Descendants is a strong but not quite exceptional entry in Alexander Payne’s filmography. George Clooney delivers a grounded performance, capturing the weary dignity of a man caught between grief, betrayal and reluctant responsibility. The Hawaiian setting adds a melancholic beauty to the story, though the film’s themes never cut as deeply as they seem to want to. The supporting cast is solid – Shailene Woodley’s performance stands out – but the film occasionally drifts into sentimentality or indie quirk. While it’s well made and emotionally restrained, it’s not as affecting as it might have been. Good, not great. Rated 3/5 Stars •  Rated 3 out of 5 stars 03/22/25 Full Review Read all reviews

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