The Descendants (2011)

Directed by: Alexander Payne

Verdict: A heart-warming film with a more edgy feel, The Descendants benefits from a sensational Oscar-winning script adapted from Kaui Hart Hemmings’s novel and two outstanding acting performances from Academy Award nominee George Clooney and rising star Shailene Woodley. Shot in the stunning surroundings of Hawaii and featuring arguably the soundtrack of the year, The Descendants combines sorrow, joy, laughter, grief, betrayal and angst in a film that accomplishes both political and familial storylines.

Between the uplifting Hawaiian soundtrack, the unrelenting beautiful landscape shots and the notoriously easy-on-the-eyes Clooney, you could be fooled into thinking The Descendants is a family-orientated comedy. In some moments, it certainly seems like it is. But what sets Payne’s film apart from so many others this awards season is that it possesses so much more substance than that.

There are two basic subplots: Matt King is facing a decision as the descendant (now you get it) of one of Hawaii’s original white land-owners over what will happen to the 300-acre piece of ‘prime real estate’ and at the same time has to deal with the various revelations that emerge from his wife Elizabeth’s fatal boating accident. Clooney is superb as King who struggles both internally and externally with the sudden pressure of becoming a single-parent to his two daughters whom he knows little about. His often under-stated grief and anger is suited perfectly to the mise-en-scène of the film, which makes the most of calm and breezy weather and local attire.

For me, Woodley is the star of this film and it is extraordinary that she didn’t receive an Oscar nod alongside Clooney. She has one of the most expressive faces I’ve seen in a young actress for years, and the underwater scene in the King’s pool is one of the most hear-breaking film moments I’ve seen (not to mention ingeniously shot). Woodley’s character Alexandra is King’s eldest daughter and graduates from rebellious teen to mature young-adult as the film progresses. Her frustration is beautifully acted by Woodley, who is utterly convincing. It is in keeping with the theme of Matt’s familial absence that it is Alexandra who breaks down and informs him that her mother was conducting an affair.


As brilliant as these two performances are, they are undoubtedly complemented by the rest of the acting ensemble. Amara Miller as King’s younger daughter Scottie and Nick Krause’s dumb-but-lovable Sid provide most of the comic relief as they accompany Matt and Alexandra on their quest to seek out Elizabeth’s former lover Brian Speer (Matthew Lillard). Judy Greer’s cameo turn as Brian’s wife Julie culminates in a heart-wrenching, tear-inducing scene at Elizabeth’s bedside, and Beau Bridges as Cousin Hugh is a smiling yet menacing counter to Matt’s wishes.

Beautifully captured by Payne and cinematographer Phedon Papamichael, The Descendants is sure to charm everyone who sees it.