The Tree of Life

PG-13

Released May 27, 2011

2h 18m

Drama

List

85%

Tomatometer

298 Reviews

60%

Audience Score

50,000+ Ratings

In this highly philosophical film by acclaimed director Terrence Malick, young Jack (Hunter McCracken) is one of three brothers growing up as part of the O'Brien family in small-town Texas. Jack has a contentious relationship with his father (Brad Pitt), but gets along well with his beautiful mother (Jessica Chastain). As an adult, Jack (Sean Penn) struggles with his past and tries to make sense of his childhood, while also grappling with bigger existential issues.

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Critics Consensus

Terrence Malick's singularly deliberate style may prove unrewarding for some, but for patient viewers, Tree of Life is an emotional as well as visual treat.

Read Critics Reviews

Adam Nayman

The Ringer

Malick's earnest pretentiousness surely invites derisive laughter. But it also withstands it, and like the ancient evergreen of its title, it towers benevolently over less ambitious movies...

Apr 6, 2020

Full Review

Amy Taubin

Film Comment Magazine

The Tree of Life in no way measured up.

Aug 27, 2019

Full Review

Deborah Ross

The Spectator

Ideally, you would bathe in a film like this without striving to decipher it. As it's a film about what we can't get our heads around, we are probably not meant to get our heads round it. But, even so, it is so audacious it will take your breath away.

Aug 31, 2018

Full Review

Wesley Lovell

Cinema Sight

There are two distinct films being made here and while the opening frames of The Tree of Life are some of the finest in memory, there’s little in the middle-to-late section of the film worth noting.

Rated: 3.5/4

Oct 10, 2023

Full Review

Brian Eggert

Deep Focus Review

You may not be able to pinpoint with words how it all comes together, but the beauty and power of Malick’s imagery and impressionistic approach to filmmaking convey another ponderous picture, the director’s most ambitious and lyrical work yet.

Rated: 4/4

Jun 7, 2023

Full Review

James Croot

Stuff.co.nz

A film that blossoms into a compelling tale of nature versus nurture, which boasts one of Pitt's finest performances and imagery that will take root in your brain for days afterwards.

Rated: 4/5

May 24, 2023

Full Review

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Misha C

One of the most beautiful film ever produced.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

07/12/24

Full Review

Dan W

Possibly one of the worst films I've ever seen. Too slow, very boring, first time I've been at the cinema and seen a number of people walk out, I stayed to the end to see if it would get better, it didn’t. I'd give zero stars if that was an option.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

06/28/24

Full Review

Mike B

One of if not my favorite film. Hauntingly beautiful somehow with minimal dialogue.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

05/28/24

Full Review

Audience Member

Incomprehensible. My wife and daughter and I saw this movie and none of us had any idea what it was about.

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

04/08/24

Full Review

Jodi Lynne L

Very weird. Didn't make sense.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

03/17/24

Full Review

David A

So far up its self congratulatory art house direction they forgot to make an interesting film

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

02/22/24

Full Review

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Terrence Malick

Director

Brad Pitt

Mr. O'Brien

Sean Penn

Jack

Jessica Chastain

Mrs. O'Brien

Fiona Shaw

Grandmother

Irene Bedard

Messenger

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Synopsis

In this highly philosophical film by acclaimed director Terrence Malick, young Jack (Hunter McCracken) is one of three brothers growing up as part of the O'Brien family in small-town Texas. Jack has a contentious relationship with his father (Brad Pitt), but gets along well with his beautiful mother (Jessica Chastain). As an adult, Jack (Sean Penn) struggles with his past and tries to make sense of his childhood, while also grappling with bigger existential issues.

Director: Terrence Malick
Producer: Sarah Green, Bill Pohlad, Brad Pitt, Dede Gardner, Grant Hill
Screenwriter: Terrence Malick
Distributor: Fox Searchlight
Production Co: Cottonwood Pictures
Rating: PG-13 (Some Thematic Material)
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): May 27, 2011, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Nov 25, 2015
Box Office (Gross USA): $13.3M
Runtime: 2h 18m

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