How does one cope after the loss of a child? Do marriages survive? Can we be saved? These are all questions in an intense script lead by a masterful performance from Olivia Wilde. Sarah and Phil’s son goes missing, shattering their life together and forcing each to find their own way to cope. Cinematographer-turned-director Reed Morano presents a masterfully crafted contemplation on a relationship strained to the breaking point. Olivia Wilde and Luke Wilson capture the unraveling emotions with remarkable power, alongside Kevin Corrigan, John Leguizamo, Elisabeth Moss, Giovanni Ribisi, Juno Temple, and Merritt Wever.
This emotionally charged film will kick you in the gut. Following up her insane roller coaster role in Third Person, Olivia Wilde proves once again that she’s way more than a pretty face. She has a few more projects coming your way for the end of the year, including Love The Coopers and the new HBO series Vinyl. She cannot be stopped and if anything, this particular performance should prove what a star she truly is. I would love to see her get a nomination for this, at the very least, her name pop up in conversation. Luke Wilson, takes a subtler approach in the role of Phil but is just as compelling. He most definitely has his inappropriate behavior moments on the job as a police officer. With Wilde playing a teacher and Wilson a cop, it’s a fascinating peek into the secret lives of people we run into on a daily basis. Behind closed doors, it doesn’t matter what you do. Bringing light to personal stress that can ultimately spread to the masses in these two particular occupations makes for an extra compelling undertone in the film.
The film will speak to parents and non-parents alike. How do the lives of children inevitability impact a relationship. Can two people be on the same page when approaching grief from opposite ends of the spectrum. Phil joins a support group and tries his damnedest to face reality as he has come to understand it. Sarah chooses denial and rage and let’s a darkness grab hold. From an outsider’s perspective, as friends and family, what are the proper actions to support what you see? I don’t think there is a right answer. Director Reed Morano and writer Chris Rossi take us on a whirlwind journey that cannot be ignored or soon forgotten. Meadowland is a an intense look down the rabbit hole of not knowing.
OPENING THIS FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16Th:
New York: Village East Cinema
Los Angeles: The Laemmle Playhouse 7
AVAILABLE ON DEMAND FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23rd AND IN ADDITIONAL CITIES
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