Grand Designs (1999) Review in 2025
Grand Designs is a 1999 British drama film that follows the story of a man who returns to his childhood home to care for his ailing mother, only to find that his family's past is not what he expected.
Family-Friendly Rating
Is this movie suitable for family viewing?
This movie is not suitable for young children due to mature themes and some strong language.
CineReview Recommendation
This movie is worth watching for fans of drama and thriller genres, but it may not be suitable for everyone due to mature themes and some strong language.
Spoiler Alert!
Hover to reveal spoiler summary
The film takes a dark turn when the protagonist discovers a family secret that changes everything he thought he knew about his family's history and his own identity.
Review Details
story7.00/10
The story is engaging and well-paced, but it takes a while to get going and the plot twist is somewhat predictable.
acting8.50/10
The acting is superb, with standout performances from Steve Coogan and Emily Watson.
characters8.00/10
The characters are well-developed and complex, but some of them feel underutilized.
direction7.50/10
The direction is solid, but it could have benefited from a bit more attention to detail.
cinematography8.00/10
The cinematography is excellent, capturing the bleak and atmospheric setting of the film.
Pros and Cons
Pros
The film's atmospheric setting, engaging story, and superb acting make it a compelling watch.
Cons
The plot twist is somewhat predictable, and some characters feel underutilized.
Notable Quotes
"I'm not sure what's more disturbing, the fact that my family's been lying to me or the fact that I've been lying to myself."
"You can't just pick up and leave, you have to face the music."
