“Nobody tells the truth when everyone’s listening.”
synopsis
After their father’s death, four adult siblings are forced to sit shiva together under one roof for a week. Old rivalries resurface, marriages wobble, secrets spill, and the family matriarch adds gasoline to the emotional fire. The forced proximity exposes the fragile glue holding them together.
pairs well with ...
mini-review
This one leans into adult sibling dysfunction rather than parental chaos. The humor is dry and often uncomfortable, but there’s something refreshing about how bluntly it portrays resentment and affection coexisting. Jason Bateman anchors the film with quiet exasperation, while Jane Fonda plays the boundary-ignoring mother with fearless bravado. It’s uneven in tone at times, but emotionally recognizable.
An evening when you’re reflecting on how different you and your siblings turned out.
Absurdist's Corner
Seven days in one house with unresolved issues — and nobody flees permanently.
fun facts
Based on Jonathan Tropper’s novel.
Shot largely in New York to maintain an intimate, grounded feel.
The cast spent significant rehearsal time building sibling dynamics.