The Descendants (2011) Review in 2025
A family drama that explores the complexities of relationships, identity, and forgiveness, set in Hawaii.
Family-Friendly Rating
Is this movie suitable for family viewing?
This movie is suitable for mature teenagers and adults due to its complex themes and some strong language.
CineReview Recommendation
This movie is worth watching for its engaging story, well-developed characters, and outstanding performances. It's a character-driven drama that explores complex themes in a nuanced way, making it a great choice for fans of drama and family films.
Spoiler Alert!
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Matt King, a wealthy lawyer, must come to terms with his wife's coma and her infidelity, while navigating his role as a father to their two daughters, and confronting the harsh realities of his own life.
Review Details
story9.00/10
The story is engaging, well-structured, and explores complex themes in a nuanced way. It's a character-driven drama that focuses on the emotional journey of the protagonist, Matt King.
acting9.00/10
The acting is superb, with standout performances from George Clooney, Shailene Woodley, and Patricia Hastie. The cast brings depth, nuance, and emotion to their characters, making the film feel authentic and relatable.
characters9.00/10
The characters are well-developed, relatable, and complex. George Clooney shines as Matt King, bringing depth and nuance to the character. The supporting cast is also excellent, particularly Shailene Woodley as Alex King.
direction9.00/10
Alexander Payne's direction is masterful, balancing tone, pace, and emotional depth. He coaxes outstanding performances from the cast and creates a visually stunning film that captures the beauty of Hawaii.
cinematography8.00/10
The cinematography is stunning, capturing the lush landscapes and vibrant colors of Hawaii. The camera work is often breathtaking, particularly in the scenes featuring the ocean and the islands.
Pros and Cons
Pros
The Descendants is a masterful film that explores complex themes in a nuanced way. The cast delivers outstanding performances, and the cinematography is stunning. The film is a great choice for fans of drama and family films.
Cons
The film can be emotionally challenging at times, and some viewers may find the pacing slow. However, these minor flaws are outweighed by the film's many strengths.
Notable Quotes
"I'm not your father."
"I'm not your friend, either."
"You're not my father."
