The Descendants (2011) Review

By Jason Haskins

George Clooney stars as the lone owner of his family’s humongous acreage of land on an island of Hawaii who must deal with the financial burden of selling it against his wishes. This is especially trying amidst a boating accident, which has left his wife on life support. As he deals with the gravity of the situation concerning his wife, he learns of a possible affair she had, so he teams up with his two daughters (one young, one older) he barely has knows to find out who this man is.

This has to be one of Clooney’s best roles. While he’s boasted some great performances in movies like O, Brother Where Art Thou? and Up in the Air, this is an amazing achievement on his part because he seems to leave his movie star persona at the door so he can add depth to this movie. Said movie is The Descendants--co-written and directed by Alexander Payne, the man responsible for indie hit, Sideways, and 1999’s criminally underrated Election— currently much acclaimed in the film world right now.

I’d consider this film a dramedy (drama + comedy) in the vein of American Beauty and Imaginary Heroes. There’s an awesome sense of comedy set against a devastating tragedy that bursts forth with real-life energy. The fact that the whole film takes place on Oahu and Kauai just adds to the mood, as Payne illustrates a heartbreaking story that breaks the paradise-like exterior of Hawaii and shows that dark things really do happen in the shadows of such beautiful places. That’s not to say the movie doesn’t have fun—-Clooney certainly does. He’s very down to Earth, but also has some truly exceptional goofy moments we’ve come to know him for.

All of the other acting is pretty swell all down the line, from Nick Krause who plays a dolt friend of Clooney’s daughter, and Shailene Woodley, who is very believable in terms of her chemistry and onscreen relationship with Clooney. There are definitely moments that I felt were overly dramatic, perhaps to offshoot the comedic sections and find a middle ground, but it left some of these big moments as too hammy—especially near the end of the movie containing a big ‘showdown’ of sorts. Even though it does get melodramatic, it’s still quite focused and electrifying to watch.

Payne’s direction isn’t just on the ball, it’s damn near perfect. He’s shot a gorgeous—technically and physically—movie that will easily stand the test of time. It’s certainly a standout movie, both of 2011 and of his entire career. George Clooney’s performance reminds me of why I grew to like him in the first place and the subtle indie sensibility and sentiment on display is a wonderful breath of fresh air. Everything from the setting (aided by traditional Hawaiian music) to the script and performances set this apart from the competition this year. The Descendents is a great heartfelt, well-paced film I think many will enjoy.

4.5 out of 5 stars