The Descendants was one of the biggest surprises at this year’s Toronto International Film Festival. Its blend of humour and drama, along with what is arguably one of George Clooney’s most charismatic performances, had me hooked from the beginning and by the end I knew it was going to be one of my favourite movies of the year. After catching it a second time, I can safely say it is definitely one of my top five films of 2011 and I’m willing to bet money it’s going to clean up come awards season.
Hawaiian resident Matt King (Clooney) has devoted most of his life dealing with the huge amount of land he and his cousins have been left by their parents instead of spending quality time with his wife and two daughters. When his wife is involved in a motorboat accident and put into a coma however, he is filled with regret for not being around more as he watches her slip away. He also has to adjust to news that she was having an affair as well as now being the sole parent to his two daughters, one of which is a rambunctious teenager who he can barely talk to.
Don’t be turned off by the dramatic description. What makes The Descendants work so well is the elements of humour. While Clooney has some of the most depressing moments in the film, he also has some of the funniest moments, especially when he’s sharing the screen with Shailene Woodley, who plays his teenage daughter, and Nick Krause, who plays her stoner boyfriend. These two young actors really help bring out a different side to Clooney we haven’t witnessed before and it’s refreshing to see.
Based on Kaui Hart Hemmings’ novel, The Descendants is Alexander Payne’s first feature film in the director’s chair since his award-winning 2004 comedy-drama Sideways. Like Sideways, The Descendants is a smart, entertaining movie that will stick with you long after you watch it. It’s also even more confirmation how great a director Payne is and how important his body of work is becoming.
If nothing else, The Descendants should be praised for the beautiful cinematography and the awesome soundtrack, both of which will make you want to book the next flight to Hawaii. It’s a near perfect film in every sense and deserves to be seen on the big screen.
The Descendants opens in Toronto on November 18 and Vancouver and Calgary on November 25.
Rating: 
Rated 14A
Cast: George Clooney, Shailene Woodley, Nick Krause
Directed by: Alexander Payne
Top image: A scene from The Descendants. Courtesy Fox Searchlight.
