Downhill | In theaters

Downhill (2020)
R for language and some sexual material | 1h 26min | Comedy, Drama

Synopsis: Barely escaping an avalanche during a family ski vacation in the Alps, a married couple is thrown into disarray as they are forced to reevaluate their lives and how they feel about each other.

Review: In case you are keeping score, DOWNHILL is inspired by the motion picture FORCE MAJEURE by Ruben Östlund. Both films are about a family on a ski trip who experience a scheduled avalanche while having lunch at the resort. As the snow comes barreling toward them the father flees quickly leaving his wife and two tween boys behind. His decision puts a damper on the trip and he has to fight to win back their trust.

Pete (Will Ferrell) and Billie (Julia Louis-Dreyfus) are a very organic and believable couple. Their relationship before the event seems as strong as any though they could just be going through the motions. Especially Pete. After the event Billie can’t look at her husband the same and even his sons are a bit shook by their father’s apparent cowardliness.  Pete tries to play it off as “not a big deal” and stands by the fact that he was going for help.

Though both Ferrell and Louis-Dreyfus are comedic icons they tone down the slapstick here in order to bring some palpable drama. The film is not super heavy by any means and has several funny moments. But these are not silly or sophomoric. In fact many feel like real life. Will especially is able to reign hisself in and play the husband and father dealing with a lot of personal baggage. He doesn’t want to admit the obvious even though he can see his family falling apart right in front of him.

I appreciate that this American version does not try and wrap everything up in a pretty 90-minute bow. The ending is as it should be and adds to the believability. That said, the film is slow and often meanders along like a newbie skier on the bunny slopes. Nothing is left out but not a lot is added either. It is good to know this going in so that you can enjoy the pace and not expect any minute for something explosive. Be sure and pay close attention to the dialogue as there are some nuggets of wisdom in there for husbands and wives no matter where their relationship stands.

Downhill is rated R and certainly an adult drama. You would be hard pressed to find a better date night film as it is the perfect length to combine with dinner and still be home before your babysitter goes into overtime. If you prefer to wait for the Blu-ray/Digital release there is that option too. See it regardless as it is sure to give you something to think about and maybe start a conversation as well.

About The Author

mungleshow

See author's posts