The Descendants

Just as the name implies, George Clooney (Matt King) finds himself concerned and consumed with descendants – of his family and of his town. A burden of responsibility that he handles with an honesty and grace that will blow you away.

While simultaneously managing a contentious multibillion dollar family trust fund  and the care of two daughters while his wife is in hospital in a coma, King draws on an honesty and integrity that make him a towering hero in what should be his weakest moments.

As he struggles to reconnect with his daughters he is also struggling to reconnect the people to their land – a family trust fund being the catalyst that will either make his extended family rich – or reconnect the local people with their land – only he has the power to make the decision that will ultimately affect thousands of people.

After learning that his wife was cheating on him, King fights to keep her character in tact, as pristine and untouched as the land he struggling to protect. The parallels of protection are not lost here. It would be easy to sell the land and make his family rich. It would be easy to let the anger of his wife’s betrayal consume him and tarnish her memory for her parents, her friends and her kids. But will he let his greed and his jealousy guide his life?

The story is plausible and it is real. Director Robert Payne (Sideways, Savages)  has confidently placed George Clooney in a role that most could not see him pulling off. But he does it – and he does it well. Flanked by daughters Alexandra played by Shailene Woodley, Scotty (Amara Miller) and her friend Sid (Nick Krause) , King navigates the emotional minefield heartbreakingly well. He is the underdog who draws on his principles. It is rich in character development, The family members are all strong and well defined people on their own and they stand alone beautifully, but more importantly, they play off each other and together even more impressively. Sometimes characters touch us but their choices leave us doubtful – here – their friends, their partners, their parents – all a believable tapestry woven together masterfully.

Without revealing too much, just know that the story will touch even the coldest heart. Closing scenes will stay with you after you leave the movie theater.

A Rave Review loved this film and gave it a 4 out of 5.

Two Golden Globes!! Clooney for best actor and Descendants for Best Film.