The Nest

The Nest (2020 Film) – Selective Ranks

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The Nest (2020 film)

“The Nest,” a 2020 psychological drama film written, directed, and produced by Sean Durkin, unfolds a gripping narrative centered around the complexities of ambition, family dynamics, and the unraveling consequences of seeking success in unfamiliar territory. Starring Jude Law, Carrie Coon, Charlie Shotwell, Oona Roche, and Adeel Akhtar, the film made its debut at the Sundance Film Festival on January 26, 2020, before being released in the United States and Canada on September 18, 2020, through IFC Films and Elevation Pictures.

The storyline follows Rory, an ambitious entrepreneur portrayed by Jude Law, who relocates his American wife, Allison (Carrie Coon), and their children to his native England in pursuit of new business ventures. The family’s idyllic American suburban life is abandoned for the challenges of an archaic ’80s Britain, with their financial stability jeopardized by the extravagant move to an English manor house.

Set against the backdrop of the 1980s, Rory, a commodities trader, pushes for a high-stakes deal that forces the family to uproot once again, this time to a grand country mansion. The ensuing strain on their finances amplifies tensions within the family, leading to a descent into dysfunction.

Director Sean Durkin, known for his work on “Martha Marcy May Marlene,” employs a quiet and naturalistic filmmaking style, allowing the performances of Law and Coon to shine. The film grapples with the impact of the family’s financial troubles, gradually intensifying the narrative and capturing the audience’s attention.

While some find the initial pacing slow, the film gains momentum as the family’s money troubles come to the forefront. The story takes a dark turn during a party scene, revealing the consequences of Rory’s actions and the family’s fractured dynamics. The film delves into Rory’s unraveling facade as he confesses his lies to a taxi driver, highlighting the collision of his aspirations with financial ruin.

Ultimately, “The Nest” weaves a compelling tale of ambition, financial strain, and familial disintegration, exploring the delicate balance between success and the sacrifices it demands. The movie paints a vivid portrait of a family grappling with the repercussions of their choices and the challenging landscape of ’80s Britain.

Summary

“The Nest” is a compelling drama set in the late 1980s, revolving around the O’Hara family—Rory, Allison, Sam, and Ben. The narrative begins with the family’s move from their middle-class life in New York City to London, driven by Rory’s belief in greater opportunities. This relocation sets the stage for a series of events that unravel the family’s stability and test their resilience.

Rory’s ambitious plans include returning to the firm of his former employer and convincing Allison to start a farm on a vast property they acquire. However, financial troubles surface as construction on the stable halts abruptly, revealing Rory’s depleted bank account. The family struggles with their secluded location, challenging commutes, and the pressure to maintain a facade of affluence.

As Rory’s reckless behavior and financial delusions strain his relationship with Allison, the family faces hardships. Allison takes on the role of a farmhand to provide income, while the children grapple with personal challenges. Rory’s business endeavors take a hit when a potentially lucrative deal falls through, leading to further tensions within the family.

The film captures the disintegration of the family’s cohesion, culminating in a pivotal moment when Allison confronts Rory’s facade during a dinner. The aftermath of a chaotic house party and the disturbing discovery of a horse’s improperly buried carcass intensify the family’s struggles.

The narrative explores themes of ambition, deception, and the impact of financial strain on familial relationships. Jude Law and Carrie Coon deliver compelling performances, portraying the complexity of their characters’ emotions. Director Sean Durkin’s naturalistic approach creates an atmosphere of quiet intensity, with the film gaining momentum as the family confronts its unraveling reality.

“The Nest” paints a poignant picture of a family caught in the web of ambition and financial turmoil, navigating the challenges of a new life in England and the strains it places on their relationships.

Tv Series Cast

  • Jude Law as by Rory O’Hara
  • Carrie Coon as by Allison O’Hara
  • Charlie Shotwell as by Benjamin “Ben” O’Hara
  • Oona Roche as by Samantha “Sam” O’Hara
  • Adeel Akhtar as by Steve
  • Anne Reid as by Rory’s Mum
  • Michael Culkin as by Arthur Davis
  • Wendy Crewson as by Allison’s Mum
  • Tattiawna Jones as by Coach
  • John Ross Harkin and Tobias Macey as by The Builders
  • James Nelson-Joyce as by Taxi Driver
  • Tanya Allen as by Margy

Information

NameInfo
Directed & Screenplay  Sean Durkin
WrittenSeth Owen
Cinematography Mátyás Erdély
Produced
  • Ed Guiney
  • Rose Garnett
  • Derrin Schlesinger
  • Sean Durkin
  • Christina Piovesan
  • Amy Jackson
EditedMatthew Hannam
Music Richard Reed Parry
Production
  •  FilmNation Entertainment
  • BBC Films
  • Telefilm Canada
  • Element Pictures
  • Substitute Films
Distributed
  •  IFC Films (United States)
  • Elevation Pictures (Canada)
  • Picturehouse Entertainment (United Kingdom)
  
Time107 Minutes
Country
  • Canada
  • United Kingdom
  • United States
LanguagesEnglish
Release January 26, 2020
The Nest
The Nest